Mill Creek Park Gets $175K Gift for Trails

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mill Creek MetroParks has received a $175,000 gift from the John and Joanne Beeghly family for the refurbishment of the trail system surrounding Lake Newport.

The funding supports a $250,000 capital improvement project for the primitive trail system, known as the Newport Loop. All funding for this project will be provided by donations.

The project will see the installation of new drainage systems along the trails, surface improvements, as well as erosion control, and enhancements at the trailheads. Also included will be improvements to existing retaining walls, borders, and stone steps, much of which were constructed by the WPA during the 1930s.

The Newport Loop trail restoration project is part of a $20 million campaign launched by the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation to add $10 million in donated funding toward capital improvements and $10 million toward endowments for long-term care and preservation.

“The John and Joanne Beeghly family have been friends and supporters of the MetroParks for many years,” said Chris Litton, director of development for the park system. “This latest gift will help to ensure that our trail system continues to be an essential part of recreation at the MetroParks for generations to come.” 

Pictured at top: Part of the Lake Newport trail system.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.