Mill Creek Wins Award for Junior All-Star Tournament
BOARDMAN, Ohio — Mill Creek Golf Courses’ American Junior Golf Association Junior All Star Tournament placed first in the sports category of the competition in the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Annual Awards of Excellence.
The awards are judged by a panel of parks and recreation professionals from around Ohio and presented at a banquet hosted by the association on Feb. 8, 2022, in Sandusky, Ohio.
“Parks and recreation professionals throughout Ohio work every day to improve the quality of life of the people they serve,” says Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Executive Director Woody Woodward. “This effort is a shining example of that kind of work, and we are pleased to be able to present this award.”
In fall 2015, Mill Creek MetroParks created a partnership with the American Junior Golf Association to bring a national event to the state of Ohio, with the AJGA Junior All Star Tournament in June 2016 — with 19 different states and three countries represented.
The Mahoning Valley Hospital Foundation Junior All-Star event was this past September with 100 players and more than 40 of the nation’s top college golf coaches. More than 250 people per day attended the event.
“It’s a great way to showcase the MetroParks and the Golf Course all while giving back to our local community,” says Brian Tolnar, PGA golf director.
The event has brought a near $2 million financial impact to the community in the form of hotel stays, dining, rental cars, shopping, and entertainment spending along with participants from all 50 states and 37 different countries to Mill Creek MetroParks.
Participants and their families have taken advantage of using the MetroParks while in town as well as taking part in many events and education programs that are held during the event week.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for the work that we are doing to impact the local community and the dedication demonstrated by the golf and recreation department here at Mill Creek MetroParks,” says Aaron Young, executive director.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
