Mill Creek MetroParks2011 ANNUAL REPORT

A Separate Political Subdivisionof the State of Ohio

Mill Creek MetroParks is a separate politicalsubdivision of the state of Ohio and is not a part ofany local or other political subdivision. It wasestablished on January 1, 1989, under Chapter 1545of the Ohio Revised Code, as the successor to theYoungstown Township Park District subsequent tothe voters’ approval of the conversion. Mill CreekMetroParks serves all of Mahoning County.

The MetroParks currently operates Mill Creek Park,located in Boardman Township and the City ofYoungstown, Yellow Creek Park in Struthers, theMetroParks Farm in Canfield Township, VickersNature Preserve in Ellsworth Township, McGuffeyWildlife Preserve in Coitsville Township, MetroParksBikeway, which traverses Austintown Township,Canfield Township and the City of Canfield, SebringWoods in the Village of Sebring, Cranberry RunHeadwaters in Boardman Township, Mill CreekPreserve in Boardman Township, Sawmill CreekPreserve in Canfield Township and Mill Creek WildlifeSanctuary in Beaver Township.

MetroParks revenue is derived from three mainsources: receipts of a tax levy upon all real estatewithin the District, receipts from the LocalGovernment Fund and income from MetroParksfacilities such as greens fees, rentals of cabins,pavilions, and boats, lesson programs, and otheractivities.

Mission StatementThe mission of Mill Creek MetroParks is to providepark, recreational, and open space facilities of regionalsignificance. In fulfilling this mission our objectives are:

To be responsive to community needsTo be environmentally soundTo be adaptableTo be economically responsible

2011 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERSFrom left to right: John Ragan, Louis Schiavoni,Valencia Marrow, Rober t J. Durick, Jay Macejko,Clarke Johnson (Executive Director)

About the CoverSunset at the Farm is a special event held at theMetroParks Farm each September. On this beautifulevening, a record 2500 adults and children attended.

On the BackThe Children's Vegetable Garden program is a hands-on gardening program for children ages 8 - 12. TheVeggie Garden is located at the MetroParks Farm.

Board of Park Commissioners

Mill Creek MetroParks is governed by a board ofpark commissioners consisting of five residentsof Mahoning County appointed by the ProbateCourt of Mahoning County and serving withoutremuneration or benefits.

2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Marketing Director Linda KostkaEditor Linda Kostka

Graphic Designer Julie PetersonPhotographer Lily Martuccio

MILL CREEK METROPARKS2012 BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS

President Rober t J. Durick1st Vice-President John Ragan

2nd Vice-President Louis SchiavoniJay MacejkoValencia Marrow

Executive Director Clarke Johnson

APPOINTING AUTHORITYThe Honorable Judge Mark Belinky

Mahoning County Probate Judge

RECYCLED PAPER30% Post-Consumer

From the Director’s Chair

Dear MetroParks Friends & Supporters:

It’s been 120 years since Volney Rogers first discoveredthe beautiful, green oasis that he named Mill CreekPark. Over the course of those years, a few fortunatepeople were able to lay claim to the title ExecutiveDirector. After completing my first year here in theMahoning Valley, I am awed by those who have gonebefore me, and proud to be a part of this grand legacy.

This past year was one of great progress, and greatchallenges. Several key, long term staff members retired,and I wondered how we would fare without the collectivebody of knowledge they had amassed over all of thoseyears. Tom Bresko, Recreation Director, was the firstto head out, after a tenure of 34 years. His successor,Carolyn Pofok, came to us after working 8 years atCleveland MetroParks and has made the position ofRecreation Director her own in a very short time. Then,Dave Christy, Treasurer and Administrative ServicesDirector, announced he would retire on December 31.We were fortunate to be able to hire Kevin Smith, formerTreasurer for the City of Columbiana, to fill Dave’s shoes.

Other staff retirements included Dee Bowersock,MetroParks Bookkeeper, with 22 years of service andDon Carney, long-time MetroParks police officer withover 30 years on the job. Both positions were filledinternally. I, and the entire staff, wish Dee and Don wellas they embark on this new chapter in their lives. Ofcourse, we do expect them to visit from time to time!

Several major projects undertaken this year have thepotential to change the face of the MetroParks andenhance our visitors’ experiences for years to come.

The historic Fieldhouse at Mill Creek Golf Course wasgiven a total face lift, and construction began on thenew Learning Center and Practice Range. In addition,we are now able to offer beer and wine at Hole 37Restaurant, the renovated grille room.

The James L. Wick Recreation Area will be the site ofa state-of-the-art, regionally significant children’s playarea, thanks to a bequest that was made through theestate of a generous supporter. The design for the areawas created late in the year, and construction will beginin 2012. A fundraising campaign to raise the rest of themoney needed for completion of the project will getunderway early next year.

As 2011 came to a close, our board and staff embarkedon a strategic planning process that will take theMetroParks through the next 10 years. A series of focusgroups were held in December, and the turnout wasbeyond our expectations. We truly saw the dedicationand support of community leaders and volunteers whotook time out of their busy schedules to be a part ofthis exciting process. Once the plan is complete—thetarget date is October 2012—we will share the resultsand strategies with the public.

Thank you for supporting me in my first year

as Executive Director of Mill Creek MetroParks.

I’ve met so many wonderful people in the

Mahoning Valley, and learned a lot about the

proud history of this area I now call home.

Most important though, I’m honored to be a

part of the jewel called Mill Creek MetroParks.

Clarke W. Johnson

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Things to Do in the MetroParks

Spring, summer, winter or fall, there is no place like MillCreek MetroParks to experience the drama and beauty ofthe seasons. As each one unfolded, visitors were touchedby nature, learned something new, or created a memory.

Staff and volunteers at Fellows Riverside Gardens spentthree days in October carving 15,000 pounds of pumpkinsin anticipation of the annual Pumpkin Walk at Twilight. Theglowing pumpkins were placed throughout the gardens forthe enjoyment of the 4,200 visitors who braved a light drizzleto take in the display. A highlight of the exhibits at FellowsRiverside Gardens was the traveling show The Bison:American Icon. This exhibit, funded through the NationalEndowment for the Humanities, focused on the humaninteraction that affected the American bison and the importantenvironmental lessons learned.

The first annual The Farmer & The Chef fundraiser was agreat success, generating a net profit of $7,524 for agriculturalprograms at the MetroParks Farm. The event paired localfarmers with local chefs to create appetizers, entrees, sidedishes and desserts made from locally grown products.

Sarah Turner kicked off the 7UP Summerfest Spectacularconcert series, and several celebrity guests who werefeatured in her video appeared onstage to support her. RayMancini, Mel Pachuta (Human Beingz), John Sferra (Glass

Harp), Mayor Jay Williams, and boxer Harry Arroyo wereinterviewed by emcee Dan Rivers. National recording artistsAtlanta Rhythm Section drew several thousand fans andhelped increase concert attendance 5% over 2010.

In spring, thousands of family members made their way toCanfield to greet some of the MetroParks Farm’s newestarrivals as the annual Farm Animal Baby Shower markedits 20th year. Throughout the season, the farm was a muchanticipated destination for some of our youngest MetroParksvisitors, along with a first time stop for many families. Visitorsto the farm not only enjoyed a trip to the barns to see theanimals, but also took guided tractor-wagon rides toexperience other sights, sounds, and smells of the farm.During the summer, the AgVenture Barn became a backdrop for an outdoor Movie Under the Stars, which markedthe opening of a new concept for the Farm, a gift shop.

Ford Nature Center continued its long-standing tradition ofwalks, hikes, kayaking, school field trips, children’s programsand special events. Some crowd pleasers included a lookback in time at Pioneer Pavilion in February, an owl walk inMarch, two frog walks in April and May, monarch observationin September, and locating Nature Center turkeys inNovember. Guest presenters Bob Glotzhober (MysteriousMonsters of the Ice Age) and Joe Hannibal (InvestigatingHistoric Millstones) offered expert looks at new subjects.

The MetroParks went to the dogs with theaddition of MetroMutts, a new membershipprogram for dogs and their human companions.A series of hikes, dog-related programs and“Yappy Hour” events gave people and caninesplenty to take advantage of.

Fellows Riverside Gardens is a premier venue forwedding ceremonies and receptions. To showcase thisfacility, Bridal Fair—“A Garden Wedding”, was held inJuly, just as the Gardens were at the peak of color.

The annual photo exhibit filled up the Weller Gallerywith the fine work of local entrants. The Reptile & RaptorExhibit attracted close to 2,000 visitors.

Despite the record rainfall in 2011, Mill Creek GolfCourse had an exciting year. A major upgrade to theHole 37 Restaurant was made with the acquisition ofa license to sell beer and wine. Other improvementsincluded new carpeting, paint and furniture, makingHole 37 casual, attractive and welcoming. Innovativeprograms provided fun and enjoyable experiences forgolfers while delivering a healthy environment for ourcustomers, connecting them to nature. Other smallchanges that made a difference included adjusting teetime intervals to keep the starting times on scheduleand improve the pace of play, and the creation of aPlayer Services Attendant, who assisted in directingthe daily activities of the golf operation.

Health and wellness classes continue to be popularwith yoga and Tai Chi students who come to relax andget fit amidst the beauty of Fellows Riverside Gardens.Several bus tours coordinated by the Friends of FellowsRiverside Gardens were immensely popular and quickly

sold out. Tours to Washington DC included the USBotanic Garden, National Arboretum, Dumbarton Oaksand Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden. In November,travelers enjoyed Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh,aglow with holiday lights and a behind the scenes tourof the facility.

Indoor and outdoor facilities accommodated manygroups and families for their graduations, parties andevents. Recreation field staff worked with a number ofbaseball leagues to have the diamonds ready toaccommodate their games at Scholl, Volney Rogers,and Wick Recreation Areas. We welcomed the returnof the Ohio High School Athletic Association with theSpring and Fall Tennis Sectionals at the Volney RogersCourts. Children and adults learned about the historicLanterman’s Mill and its surrounding areas. MetroParksguests enjoyed the view as they paddled around LakeGlacier and Newport on the pedal boats and kayaks.We ended the year with football leagues playing atVolney Rogers Field, as well as some high school soccerat the Wick Recreation Area.

Winter Celebration, a month-long special event at FellowsRiverside Gardens, attracted nearly 20,000 visitors. Over 40trees were decorated by local non-profit organizations.

Education Made Fun

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The Family Garden in Fellows Riverside Gardens was abeehive of motion from May until September. A variety ofeducational drop-in activities let children dig, plant andexplore. The butterfly garden was enlarged, two new themegardens were added, and an enabling garden and a straw-bale garden made the Family Garden accessible to all.

At the MetroParks Farm, over 100 children from grades K-6 attended Ag Camp in August. This year’s theme at AgCamp was New York, New York, and campers learned howfood goes from farm to table in the big city. Ag Camp is apartnership with Agland Co-op, Witmer’s and the Junior FairAdvisory Board. Other fun camps included Junior Golf Camp,Junior Naturalists, and Tennis Camp.

Growing the game of golf is a core mission of Mill Creek GolfCourse, in order to create new golfers and increaseparticipation in the game. Excitement grew as constructionof the new Practice Range and Learning Centerbegan in late fall. This facility will serve asan activity center for teaching techniquesusing state-of-the-art technologies tohelp players of all abilities. Oncecomplete, the Learning Center andPractice Range will include clubfitting, a teaching center anda free-to-use short gamearea with green sidebunkers.

Golfers attending camps and clinics spanned all ages. Aladies two-day clinic, Adult Link Up to Golf and Get GolfReady workshops, and junior introductory and graduatecamps got novice as well as seasoned golfers right in theswing of things. Several special events and tournamentswere held at Mill Creek Golf Course during the spring andsummer months. The YMCA Community Cup, Mill Creek7UP Junior Golf Championship, Kenny Novak Junior Tour,Mill Creek Pro-Am and numerous charitable golf outingsrounded out a successful season.

Educational Group Program Attendance*

Mahoning County ResidentsAustintown Township 723 335 297 1355Beaver Township 44 104 0 148Beloit Village 49 10 0 59Berlin Township 0 0 0 0Boardman Township 1,003 350 289 1,642City of Campbell 82 127 40 249Canfield City & Township 486 122 302 910Coitsville Township 0 0 0 0Craig Beach Village 0 0 0 0Ellsworth Township 61 0 0 61Goshen Township 0 10 0 10Green Township 98 14 87 199Jackson Township 93 0 0 93Lowellville Village 49 0 63 112Milton Township 16 0 13 29New Middletown Village 14 10 10 34Poland Village & Township 479 174 266 919City of Sebring 45 20 0 65Smith Township 50 12 0 62Springfield Township 195 3 27 225City of Struthers 366 258 41 665Village of Washingtonville 0 0 11 11City of Youngstown 1,860 1,085 824 3,769 Total Mahoning County 5,713 2,634 2,270 10,617

Program attendance – NonresidentsTrumbull County 902 136 247 1285Columbiana County 334 74 176 584Other Ohio 113 247 322 682Pennsylvania 0 0 237 237Other State/Country 2 0 143 145Total Nonresident 1,351 457 1,125 2,933

GRAND TOTALS 7,064 3,091 3,395 13,550

* Educational Group Programs are special programs requested byschools, groups, and organizations.

What We LearnedMetroParks staff not only educate, but seek out opportunitiesfor themselves to enhance their profession. Workshops andtrainings were diverse, covering areas such as safety,management training, invasive species management, pond andlake management, creating play environments, and fundraising.Conferences attended were Mid-America Trails and GreenwaysConference, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Conference,National Parks and Recreation Conference, Ohio Woodland,Water and Wildlife Conference, FBI Great Lakes LeadershipSeminar, the Association of Fundraising ProfessionalsInternational Conference and American Public GardensAssociation Conference.

Some of the more interesting and unusual workshops attendedby staff were:• Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) training• Categorical Exclusion Environmental Documentation training• Winter Road Maintenance: Smart Salt and Road Deicer

Strategy• Ohio EPA’s Inland Lakes Sampling Program and Harmful

Algal Blooms Initiative• Solar Panels, Hydroelectric Power and Marcellus Shale Waste

Water presentation

Other Staff News

Assistant Police Chief Bruce Emery was able tosuccessfully recover the Kneeling Girl Fountain, withina week of its theft from Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Golf Director Dennis Miller, PGA, was awarded PublicGolf Course Merchandiser of the Year by the NorthernOhio PGA.

Andy Santor, Golf Pro, received TPI Titlelist PerformanceInstitute fitness certification Level 1.

Partnerships and Collaborations

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Mill Creek MetroParks and Polish Youngstown workedtogether to present Kulig: A Polish Winter Celebrationin January at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Kulig, anorganized sleigh riding party, is an old Polish wintertradition that dates back to the days of nobility. Over600 people attended this first-time event.

A Shakespeare festival was held at the Judge MorleyPavilion in cooperation with the Mahoning Valley Players.Nearly 500 people attended the two performances.

A “friend raising” event at the Mill CreekPreserve was hosted in collaboration withthe Western Reserve Land Conservancy inJune. Guided hikes through the wetlandrestoration area highlighted the importanceof these habitats and helped educate visitorson the benefits of land conservation.

The Mill Creek MetroParks Police Department hosteda regional training with the Mahoning Valley Chiefs ofPolice Association in June at McMahon Hall in Canfield.Over 80 local police officers attended. A golf outing,also held in conjunction with Mahoning Valley Chiefs ofPolice Association, attracted over 100 golfers in August.

Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens (FFRG) sponsoredseveral major events that drew thousands of visitors tothe MetroParks. An orchid exhibit, Garden AuthorLectures, Pumpkin Walk at Twilight, and WinterCelebration attracted a diverse audience and many newvisitors. Capital improvement projects at FellowsRiverside Gardens that received support from FFRGincluded the completion of the Seasonal CelebrationPlaza project, construction of a high tunnel greenhouseand funding for design work of future garden projects.

Twelve hundred children attended Children's BookFestival: Plant the Seed to Read at Fellows RiversideGardens. The MetroParks partners with The PublicLibrary of Youngstown and Mahoning County, AltrusaInternational of Youngstown and Western Reserve PBSto promote literacy.

In October the MetroParks co-sponsored a seminarwith the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown (MGCY)titled Trees, Trees, Trees: A Seminar All About...Trees.The MGCY donated three American elm trees to addto the American Elm Demonstration Project, which wasestablished in 2010 at the Mill Creek Preserve.

The Alliance for Watershed Action and ResourceEducation (AWARE) sponsored a Watershed Festival atthe MetroParks Farm in October. This “Green” themedevent featured displays and demonstrations from variousenvironmental groups and government agencies, livebirds of prey, and plenty of games, arts, and crafts.

A trail bridge on the West Newport hiking trail in MillCreek Park was reconstructed with the help of localBoy Scout of America Troop #109.

Planning and Operations staff assisted the YoungstownNeighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) withvarious planning efforts in the Idora Neighborhood,including preparation of a proposed site plan for YNDC’sIron Roots Urban Farm.

Local schoolchildren took part in the ceremonyto install a peace pole in the Family Garden bySeniors for Peace.

Mill Creek MetroParks and Polish Youngstown workedtogether to present Kulig: A Polish Winter Celebrationin January at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Kulig, anorganized sleigh riding party, is an old Polish wintertradition that dates back to the days of nobility. Over600 people attended this first-time event.

A Shakespeare festival was held at the Judge MorleyPavilion in cooperation with the Mahoning Valley Players.Nearly 500 people attended the two performances.

A “friend raising” event at the Mill CreekPreserve was hosted in collaboration withthe Western Reserve Land Conservancy inJune. Guided hikes through the wetlandrestoration area highlighted the importanceof these habitats and helped educate visitorson the benefits of land conservation.

The Mill Creek MetroParks Police Department hosteda regional training with the Mahoning Valley Chiefs ofPolice Association in June at McMahon Hall in Canfield.Over 80 local police officers attended. A golf outing,also held in conjunction with Mahoning Valley Chiefs ofPolice Association, attracted over 100 golfers in August.

Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens (FFRG) sponsoredseveral major events that drew thousands of visitors tothe MetroParks. An orchid exhibit, Garden AuthorLectures, Pumpkin Walk at Twilight, and WinterCelebration attracted a diverse audience and many newvisitors. Capital improvement projects at FellowsRiverside Gardens that received support from FFRGincluded the completion of the Seasonal CelebrationPlaza project, construction of a high tunnel greenhouseand funding for design work of future garden projects.

Twelve hundred children attended Children's BookFestival: Plant the Seed to Read at Fellows RiversideGardens. The MetroParks partners with The PublicLibrary of Youngstown and Mahoning County, AltrusaInternational of Youngstown and Western Reserve PBSto promote literacy.

In October the MetroParks co-sponsored a seminarwith the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown (MGCY)titled Trees, Trees, Trees: A Seminar All About...Trees.The MGCY donated three American elm trees to addto the American Elm Demonstration Project, which wasestablished in 2010 at the Mill Creek Preserve.

The Alliance for Watershed Action and ResourceEducation (AWARE) sponsored a Watershed Festival atthe MetroParks Farm in October. This “Green” themedevent featured displays and demonstrations from variousenvironmental groups and government agencies, livebirds of prey, and plenty of games, arts, and crafts.

A trail bridge on the West Newport hiking trail in MillCreek Park was reconstructed with the help of localBoy Scout of America Troop #109.

Planning and Operations staff assisted the YoungstownNeighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) withvarious planning efforts in the Idora Neighborhood,including preparation of a proposed site plan for YNDC’sIron Roots Urban Farm.

Nearly 1300 Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts helpedclean up the MetroParks on Earth Day.

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Commitment to the communities we serve is paramount to MetroParksstaff. Just some of the organizations, committees, boards andinitiatives staff members are involved in are: AFSCME Union, AWARE(Alliance for Watershed Action and Resource Education), MahoningCounty Storm Water Management, OPRA (Ohio Parks & RecreationAssociation), City of Youngstown Design Review Committee, RotaryClub of Youngstown, Hands On Volunteer Network, Association ofFundraising Professionals, American Public Garden Association,Youngstown CityScape, Mahoning Soil & Water Conservation District,Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway, Mahoning River Consortium,Mahoning Valley Chiefs of Police Association and the Vindicator’sGreatest Golfer in the Valley.

Recreation staff is dedicated to working with local non profits toensure their races, walks and bike-a-thons are successful. TheDistance Classic Race, Weight Watchers Run, Memorial Run,Amyloidosis Run, Kidney Foundation Walk, Cardinal Classic, YMCATriathlon, Community Cup, YUTC Race, Suicide Prevention Walk,Hearts for a Safe Harbor Run, Peace Race, Covelli Panerathon, andMultiple Sclerosis Walk brought a combined total of 5540 visitorsinto the MetroParks.

Into the Community

Participation in fairs and festivals is an importantcomponent of community outreach. The publicwas able to meet and talk to MetroParks staff at manyvenues throughout the year:

Boardman St. Patrick’s Day ParadeGreater Youngstown Home & Garden ShowAntlers & Anglers Sportsman's Showcase Canfield FairGrey To Green FestivalOH WOW Children's Museum Silly Science SundayWatershed FestivalDowntown Youngstown Holiday Parade

Organizations, Foundations, Corporations

A P O’Horo CompanyAgland Co-op / 1st Choice Energy SolutionsAkron Children’s Hospital of Mahoning ValleyAlpha Omega Document ManagementAltiere’s Home & GardenAltronic, Inc.Aqua OhioArcadia Publishing Inc.Asphalt Solutions Inc.Asthma and Allergy Center LTDAustintown Garden ClubBecker Funeral HomesBelleria ExpressBlackridge Garden ClubBuckeye Beverage LLCBurgan Real Estate, Ltd.CBS TopsoilCCA Northeast Ohio Correctional CenterC L Firestone IncCal Ohio Lube Products Inc.Celtic HealthcareChris Graff Agency LLCCity of YoungstownCrago Veterinary CentreConstantine Economus MD, LLCCovelli EnterprisesDavis FoundationThe DeBartolo Corp.DLO & Associates

Do-Cut True ValueDrake’s LandingEbert Animal Hospital, Inc.Eye Care AssociatesFarmers National BankFirst National BankFirst Place Bank Community FoundationFlorence Simon Beecher FoundationFox Funeral HomeFred Martin Ford & Mercedes-BenzFriends of Poland LibraryGarden Club of Forest HillsGarden Club of OhioGarden Club of YoungstownGarden Forum of Greater YoungstownGarden Gate Garden Club of PolandGirard Herb SocietyGlen Gardeners Garden ClubHandel’s Ice Cream, CreeksideHill Barth & King, Inc.Hole 37/Barry DynglesHumility of Mary Health PartnersImmaculate Heart Garden ClubIndependence Garden ClubJohn Perdue Inc–McDonald’sJ C Enterprise Center IncJ M Verostko IncJane F Lamb Charitable FoundationJohnny Appleseed Garden Club

KeyBank Liberty OfficeMAC TrailerMahoning Garden ClubMahoning / Shenango Kennel ClubMahoning Valley Dahlia SocietyMahoning Valley Distributing AgencyMahoning Valley Rose SocietyManchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullmanmc consultants, incMen’s Garden Club of YoungstownMignonette Garden ClubMill Creek Park FoundationMill Creek Ladies Golf AssociationMoccasin Flower Garden ClubMurphy Contracting Co.National Healthcare Access Inc.Ohio Humanities CouncilOlsavsky Jaminet Architects Inc.Pasadena Community FoundationPet Lodge USA of Boardman LLCPets Are People TooPoland Women’s ClubPolish YoungstownPNC FoundationPrime Thyme Herb GuildR T Vernal PavingRhiel Supply CoRon Kreps Drywall & Plastering Co.Rossi & Rossi

Rudzik ExcavatingRulli BrothersSt. Christine’s Golf LeagueSt. Michael Garden Guild of CanfieldSchwebel Family FoundationSensit TechnologiesSouthern Park Golf, IncSpring Maids Garden ClubStifel NicolausStonebridge Grille & Tavern, LLCStrollo ArchitectsSuperior Beverage GroupTabernacle Evangelical PresbyterianThe Taylor-Winfield FoundationV & M StarThe Vintage ClubWags & Wiggles ResortWarren P Williamson, Jr FundThe Raymond John Wean FoundationWitmer’s Inc.Youngstown FoundationYoungstown Orthopaedic AssociatesYoungstown Propane, IncYoungstown State UniversityYurchyk & Davis CPA

The MetroParks experienced great communitysupport in 2011. Individuals, organizations,foundations, and businesses contributed $290,870.The Board of Park Commissioners and staff ofMill Creek MetroParks thank everyone whosupported us as Partners in the Park. Their giftsof time, talent and financial resources are greatlyappreciated. The legacy of Volney Rogers lives onthrough the inspired support of our community.

Partnersin the Park

7UP Summerfest Spectacular attractednearly 14,000 people in 2011.

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Howard AlanivaDebbie AlbarranJohn AltierAnonymousMary Jean AntalLeo & Josephine BakesMary Ann BaldwinRegina BankoLenore BanksKen BaughDelores BeckEdward BeeghlyNancy BeeghlyPhyllis BerkowitzBob BlazerMary Jo BlountJacquelyn W. BrauningerMary Ann BurkeMary Kay ButtsJoAnne CarneyCarol CarrRuby CarrollBob & Carol CartwrightCarol CarvelasViola CastorPatricia CegliePaul & Becky CeneMary Ann ChambersRosemary CheesmanMatthew & Julieann ChengY.T. & Marilyn ChiuTimothy CianciolaMary ClemansBerdina CovelliDonald CraneLeona CrumbackerThomas DaileyCaren & Ryerson DaltonHarold D. DampfSusan Delonis

Robert DelquadriDonna DeLucaAudrey DemechkoT. J. DeNiroBill DeToroLinda & Warren DeitzSalvatore DiFrancescoJanice DonlinDorothy DougherKeith DownardThomas DrippsRobert J. DurickRonald & Sue DutkoRobert J. EdwardsThomas EllsmoreCharles P. & Therese FaganMarvin FairAlbert FalascaPatte FithianJohn FlemingIris FletcherDianne GaglianoDiane GarthwaitePaul GilboyJodi GlaserGene GleyduraJames GrahamBobbi GrinsteinAnne GrossDonald GubanySarah GuilletPatrick HaggertyPaul HagmanKimberlee HaldimanLucy HazlegroveAgnes K. HendricksonWinifred HimesThomas H. HiteScott & Elizabeth HockenberryKarla Hodge

Kirk HoughPatricia HouselBrue HoytLaurie HoytRobin HoytCarla J. Hoyt-HodgeMary Ellen HritzJan HubbardClarke JohnsonEdward JonesRick JonesMichael KachmerSteve KalineyDebra KentWilliam KimmelMary KissosDiane KleehKelby KnoedlerDorothy KosLinda KostkaKim R. KotheimerCheryl KrouseMace LandauC. Scott & Arlene LanzFred J. LaricciaScott LeiterSharon LetsonCecelia LewisJocelyne LinsalataLoretta LiptakKathryn LloydAndrew J. & Judith LongoJohn MacIntoshNancy MaltonicRoseann ManciniRichard & Beverly MarinelliFred MartinAngelo MartinoRuth McCuneClara McFarlandJudith C. McGloneWalter McKelveyLisa MillerRosalyn MillerJohn MisalkoJudy MorrisNancy Morris

Joan MotheralLori MowadGarry MrozekMargi NapoliLinda D. NeelLauren NewmanRuth NilssonJohn E. & Rosanne NovickyEileen NovotnyRaymond OpreBilly OvertonMartin OyerDavid B. PennerGary & Sally PhilibinEllen PhillipsLaura PirtleDavid B. PopovecBob PrestonLillian ProchPeter ProchRichard ProchJane Pugh PerretGene & Susan PusateriJoe PusateriJames RafothMike RayRegina ReesJohn F. ReeseMargaret J. ReinmanGeorge J. RepaskyMarianne RhoadesFrank RichRuby RobertsShannon RobertsonVirginia S. RobertsonErven C. RobinsonJane RockholdSteve RogersLinda RouserCharles RudgeSusan RussoKevin E. SalataThomas SanfreyJohn A. & Jean ScarsellaAldo & Antonella SchiaviLouis J. SchiavoniScott R. Schulick

Sara C. ScudierMichael S. & Jean SenchakHarriet ShasbyLinda ShelburneEstate of Richard E. SmithStuart SmithMary SoldoFred SonnettHerb SossRuth SpencerVic SperlingPaula StefanskiLouetta Ann StertzbachDavid & Nancy StewartMary Lou SullivanTom SullivanPauline SzaryBruce TamarkinJames TavolarioRichard & Mary ThomasElizabeth O. TodGeorge TrumballDaniel TufaroMichael VallasThomas R. VandrielValerie Vargulich SinkucRick & Jody VernalSusan ViecelliMary WalterShannon WeimerJudy WexlerCarole A. WiltsieSamie WinickMark A. WiseLaurie WittkugleJay WoodhullCharles WrightJanet Yaniglos & Clyde MorrisRoberta YashSusan YerianDenise & John YorkMary YorkFred C. YoungJoshua J. ZarlengaJodi Zimmerman

Individual Contributors

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Partnersin the Park

Volunteers

Grants and AwardsMany major improvements and projects were completed becauseMetroParks staff diligently looked for alternative sources of funding.These types of endeavors cannot be funded through the MetroParksbudget.

$300,000FHWA TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM GRANT toimprove .79 miles of East Cohasset Drive in Mill Creek Park.

$301,050CLEAN OHIO FUND GRANT to purchase 73 acres of property adjacentto existing Mill Creek Park property.

$200,000FLORENCE & WARD BEECHER FOUNDATIONS awarded a grant,payable over 4 years, for the continuing upkeep of Lanterman’s Mill.

$37,796FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION GRANT to determine preferredalignment options for Phase III of the MetroParks Bikeway.

$10,850OHIO EPA SURFACE WATER IMPROVEMENT FUND GRANT (SWIF)to construct a rain garden at the MetroParks Farm.

We are fortunate to have the gift of people’s time and talentsto support the activities that occur at the MetroParks year-round. We celebrated our volunteers’ commitment last yearat the annual Volunteer Recognition Picnic. For the first time,it was held at the Judge Leo P. Morley Performing ArtsPavilion, where our guests took in the big band sounds ofthe Don Burns Orchestra.

Time recorded for volunteers throughout the MetroParks was10,445 hours. Based on minimum wage ($7.40), this wouldhave an approximate value of $77,293.

Volunteer Hours Recorded:

7359 Horticulture Department1290 Boy Scouts Earth Day Cleanup900 Mill Creek Preserve/Wildlife Sanctuary686 Ford Nature Center/Special Events200 MetroParks Farm

The Rain Garden at the MetroParks Farmcaptures rain from the roof of the EducationBuilding and filters it before it runs off into thestorm water system.

This marked the first year for active Canada goose management in MillCreek Park. The large population of Canada geese not only affects waterquality but their aggressive behavior can be dangerous for MetroParksvisitors. Staff worked closely with the Ohio Division of Natural Resourcesto help reduce the number of goose nests within Mill Creek Park.

The Northeast Ohio Naturalists (NEON)/Cleveland Museum of NaturalHistory visited the Hitchcock Woods area of Mill Creek Park in April,performing field surveys and noting a number of rare plant and animalspecies.

In October, staff and volunteers flocked to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuaryto participate in the “Big Sit”, an annual international bird observationand recording event. A total of 64 bird species were observed from sun-up to sun-down, beating the previous year’s results and coming in secondplace for sites competing within Ohio.

Several Youngstown State University graduate students partnered withthe MetroParks on research projects throughout our natural areas studyingsongbirds, invasive plant species, and other topics. Their studies benefitthe MetroParks by providing data that can be used in making importantland management decisions.

Natural Areas and Conservation

A local Eagle Scout built and installed a numberof nest boxes throughout natural areas in theMetroParks. These nest boxes not only provideplaces for songbirds and waterfowl to raisetheir young, but also provide needed shelterto other wildlife as well.

YSU students study plant identificationduring a site visit to Mill Creek Preserve.

Maintaining the MetroParksKeeping our nearly 5,000 acres of park lands updatedand maintained requires year-round diligence andplanning. Not only are there routine tasks that mustbe accomplished on a regular schedule, there aremany seasonal tasks too. Each area of the MetroParkshas its own unique set of duties.

Over 100 new trees and shrubs and 300 floweringperennials were planted in the MetroParks. Newplantings include the Rain Garden at McMahon Hallin Canfield, the entrance planting to the Golf Courseat SR 224, planting around the Sebring Woods signand beautification at the Wick Recreation Area entrance.Daffodil Meadow saw the addition of 800 new daffodilbulbs.

Unfortunately, the Emerald Ash Borer made its way toOhio, and ash trees infested by the pest were foundthroughout the MetroParks. Live as well as dead ashtrees were removed for public safety.

Trees, shrubs and other vegetation were trimmed fromthe scenic vistas throughout the MetroParks to maintain

and improve picturesque views. Vegetation was alsotrimmed or removed along roadsides and intersectionsto improve sightlines and increase vehicular andpedestrian safety.

Ongoing tasks in the MetroParks never seem to end.Crews cleaned and maintained rental facilities andcomfort stations, collected and processed trash, litterand recycling, maintained and repaired MetroParksvehicles, repaired and patched potholes on MetroParksdrives, cleaned and repaired storm drains, erectedand took down special event banners at variouslocations and repaired and replaced picnic tables andgrilles in public areas.

Each season brings its own specific tasks for our hardymaintenance department. In the winter, snow and iceare removed from drives, parking areas, walkways andfacilities. Snow making machines are set up and torndown, drives are closed for the season, and water isturned off to non-heated facilities. In spring, drives arereopened, pavement markings are reapplied to parkdrives, grass mowing and trimming are done, and

pavilions are readied for summer. Before summer isin full swing, the golf course is readied, ball fields aregroomed, row boats and pedal boats are delivered tothe boat houses, and debris is removed from roadberms, lawns and meadows.

In Fellows Riverside Gardens, the Sommer Fountain was rebuiltas part of the new Seasonal Celebration Plaza. New walkwayswere installed through the Perennial and Shade Gardens, theplanting areas in the Long Mall were enlarged, the turf arearegraded, and new grass was planted.

Nearly 1,500 new flowering perennials, shrubs and trees wereinstalled in the Gardens in 2011. Much of this planting occurredin the Perennial and Shade Gardens, Miniature Rose raised bedsand Seasonal Celebration Plaza. In addition, over 4,000 newpermanent bulbs were planted in the Perennial and Shade Gardens.

Keeping the MetroParks safe and secure is the priority of the MetroParksPolice Department. The department implemented the Taser and all full-time staff were certified in its use after experiencing the effects of thedevice. Five part-time officers were hired to fill the void left by officerswho have moved on in the last few years. The Lexipol KnowledgeManagement System for Policy Manual and Daily Training Bulletins wasimplemented, along with wireless broadband and an update of thedepartment’s computer system. A new radar unit was received from theCanfield Police Department.

Both Mill Creek Golf Course and the Par 3 saw many needed improvements.A new roof and increased pumping capacity enhanced the operation ofthe irrigation pump house, while irrigation and drainage improvementsand replacement of sprinkler heads were made. New teeing areas on thefront nine at the Par 3 kept the golf course open for play during concertsat the Morley Pavilion.

Dog lovers helped keep the MetroParks trails clean by sponsoring a “muttstation” in one of 10 locations. These waste stations make it convienentfor all pet owners to pick up after their dogs. The program was so popular,it sold out in 4 months.

Mechanic Jim Hunt repairs thebrakes on a MetroParks PoliceCruiser.

MetroParks police officer DaniaGillam lends a hand to a visitor.

One of many trees planted at MillCreek Golf Course as part of theimprovements to West Golf Drive.

Capital EquipmentTerex Hi-Ranger bucket truck $72,000Golf Course, misc equipment 63,812Tractor, MetroParks Farm 24,882Police cruiser 24,601Police, misc equipment 14,143Furnishings & equipment, Birch Hill Cabin 12,188Beverage carts, golf course 10,000Tire breakdown / changer 6,565Kayaks, Lake Glacier 3,000

TOTAL CAPITAL EQUIPMENT $231,191

Capital Improvement ProjectsFELLOWS RIVERSIDE GARDENS

Renovation of plant collections $5,418LANTERMAN’S MILL

Waterwheel repair & seal siding 26,677LILY POND

Treatment & improvements 9,858METROPARKS FARM

Upgrade sanitary sewer 10,000MILL CREEK GOLF COURSE

Sanitary sewer, Fieldhouse 41,568Fieldhouse improvements 70,250Bunkers & drainage repair 21,666Driving Range & Learning Center (from Replacement Reserve) 103,592

ORCHARD MEADOWComfort station renovations 12,549

PROPERTY ACQUISITION 24,092ROADS

Paving & pavement marking at 12 locations 28,634West Golf Drive resurfacing (ODOT) 71,898

STREAMSHealthy Stream Initiative 4,950

TRAILSRestoration & improvement 3,111

WICK RECREATION AREAEntrance drive improvements 56,241Design work, children’s play area 52,681

YELLOW CREEK PARKWater line replacement 7,461

TOTAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $550,646

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Lanterman's Mill gets a new coat of stain.

Wick Recreation Area is the placefor a sand volleyball competition.

Facility AttendanceFELLOWS RIVERSIDE GARDENS

Visitors 382,953

METROPARKS FARMVisitors 17,369School Program Attendance 8,636Farm Tours 8,733

FORD NATURE EDUCATION CENTERVisitors 14,636Program Attendance 3,977

LANTERMAN’S MILLVisitors 9,850

Other RentalsBOAT RENTALS Lake Glacier 3,015 Lake Newport 851

BATTING CAGES PLAYS 16,508

Police StatisticsAccidents Traffic 19 Non-Traffic 69Arrests/Misdemeanor Citations

Adults 41 Juveniles 17Citations-Traffic

Adults 66 Juveniles 4Crimes Against Persons 6Crimes Against Property 48Fires 3Thefts 23Towed Vehicles 25Recovered Vehicles 3Stolen Vehicles 2Parking Tickets 36Police Hours 37,310Police Cruiser Mileage 176,979

2011 Statistics

Rental Facility UseageCABINS

Bears Den 70Birch Hill 240Log Cabin 60Pioneer 161

PICNIC PAVILIONSSlippery Rock 45Chestnut Hill 55Stitt 46Scholl 95Wick 68

YELLOW CREEK PARKYellow Creek Lodge 120Capt. John Struthers Pavilion 25

FELLOWS RIVERSIDE GARDENSRossi Auditorium 159Garden Cafe 41Radius Room 79Classrooms 234Wedding Ceremonies 147

METROPARKS FARMClassroom A 163McMahon Hall 272

TOTALS 2,080

Special Events AttendanceWinter Celebration 19,845

7UP Summerfest Concert Series 13,395

Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill 5,500

Animal Baby Shower 4,500

Pumpkin Walk at Twilight 4,165

Merry and Bright Nights 3,054

Sunset at the Farm 2,500

Book Festival 2,100

Reptile and Raptor Exhibit 1,830

Santa and His Reindeer 550

Sunfest 500

Shakespeare in the Park Play 500

Halloween at the Morley 450

Easter Eggstravaganza 250

Family Garden Day 190

Movie Under the Stars 100

TOTAL 59,429

Golf StatisticsMILL CREEK GOLF COURSE ROUNDS

Adult 51,496Junior 2,863Senior 16,221

TOTAL ROUNDS 70,5809-Hole Rounds 33,57218-Hole Rounds 18,504

PAR 3 GOLF COURSE ROUNDSAdult 10,635Student 7,399Senior 1,624Evening 1,324

TOTAL ROUNDS 20,982

Summary of Receipts, Expenses and Balances

MILL CREEK METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICTIncome StatementFor the Year Ending December 31, 2011

ENCUMBERED FUNDS 01/01/2011 $282,012.94

*AVAILABLE CASH BALANCE FROM PREVIOUS YEAR $4,771,145.64

REVENUEGeneral Property Tax $6,759,907.06Local Govt. Funding 573,233.08MetroParks Activities 2,192,596.73Fellows Trust Fund 18,284.63Grants 31,819.59Golf Course Donations 10,860.22Transfers/Advances 403,314.52

TOTAL REVENUES $9,990,015.83

TOTAL REVENUES AND BALANCES $15,043,174.41

EXPENSESOperating–Materials & Supplies $1,918,686.36Operating–Salaries & Wages 4,736,326.44Capital Equipment 229,968.30Capital Improvements 686,317.01General Expense 2,202,815.60Transfers/Advances 403,314.52

TOTAL EXPENSES $10,177,428.23

CASH BALANCE AS OF 12/31/2011 $4,865,746.18

2011 YEAR END ENCUMBRANCES $893,391.84

*AVAILABLE 2011 YEAR END BALANCE $3,972,354.34

*The available cash balance is used to sustain MetroParksoperations during the first quarter of the following year untiltax collection commences.

This was a financially challenging year for the MetroParks.Revenues were down significantly due to a decline in propertytaxes and gas royalties, and a decrease in golf course revenuesdue to the wet and rainy playing season. Expense reductionswere valiantly implemented to lessen this financial impact.Reductions in capital improvements and healthcare costswere able to create a net reduction in expenses totaling$346,479.81. The MetroParks worked hard in 2011 to achievea balanced budget, and will continue to monitor expenses inthe coming year. Once again, local government revenues willbe reduced, and interest revenue and gas royalties areexpected to remain low. We will continue to see significantsavings on healthcare expenses that have been receivedsince becoming fully insured.

Merry & Bright was the theme for WinterCelebration at Fellows Riverside Gardens

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The MetroParks Farm is a 400-acre workingfarm that promotes agriculture through educationand programs. In addition to wagon tours,display barns, an exhibit area and a playroom,the Farm offers a wonderful setting for manyMetroParks special events.