Upgrades and advancements are coming to several locations throughout Mill Creek Metroparks in 2025.

From bridge and trail improvements to the golf course and nature reserve restoration projects, Mill Creek officials explained where funds will go during Monday's monthly meeting with the park board.  

"We try to target various facilities and various areas with each year's budget," explained Justin Rogers, Director of Planning and Operations with Mill Creek Metroparks.

$480k will go towards bridge improvements to locations including the Slippery Rock Bridge, all to preserve its history and functionality. The majority of the funding is from a federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant.

Trails throughout the park will receive $225k, with Vickers Nature Preserve and the MetroParks Bikeway the main focus. $50k will go towards facility renovations to Vickers Nature Preserve, Bears Den Operations Service Facility, and Birch Hill Cabin. $100k will go towards upgrading restroom facilities throughout the park. 

$262k will be spent at Mill Creek Golf Course, restoring stream tributary channels and improving stormwater drainage. The majority of that price tag will be paid for by an Ohio EPA grant.

"It's our goal to restore, add habitat, and address some of the stormwater management matters on the golf course," Rogers added.

Vickers Nature Preserve will see a new pavilion and a revamp of the space.

"It'll be an indoor-outdoor, four-season event center with a banquet hall, kitchen restrooms and amenities," Rogers said. "This year, we're proposing site improvements."

$2.1 million is going towards Fellows Riverside Gardens, to redevelop the building's lower terrace, improve HVAC and stormwater drainage, and repair the fountain and rose gardens. Plus, the site of the future children's garden is ready to be transformed.

"We will be going out for public bid soon for that project and throughout 2025, we'll be working on getting that constructed and opened later on this year," Rogers added. "So we're really excited about that project."

The Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is getting more than $200k towards site accessibility and habitat improvements, along with adding a new education pavilion.

Visit Mill Creek Metroparks' website to learn more about these projects.