Mill Creek Park

As one of the largest metropolitan parks in the United States, Mill Creek Park is an abundant natural oasis and claimed by many as the “crown jewel” of this region. It was established in 1891 as Ohio’s first park district through the vision and efforts of Volney Rogers. It officially opened to the public in 1893.

It offers 20 miles of scenic drives and 45 miles of trails. Across its beautiful landscapes, one can take part in everything from hiking, biking, boating, and fishing to golf, wildlife viewing, picnicking, winter activities, and much more!

Other significant landmarks in Mill Creek MetroParks are near our Rocky Ridge—Fellows Riverside Gardens, Volney Rogers Memorial, Pioneer Pavilion, Ford Nature Center, Suspension Bridge, and Lanterman’s Mill.

Learn more about
Mill Creek MetroParks

WICK RECREATION AREA

Known by longtime locals as “Rocky Ridge”, the James L. Wick Jr. Recreation Area has been the heart and soul of our neighborhood since it opened in 1956 to enhance the residential expansion of Youngstown’s West Side in the early 20th century. It was formally named after our prominent neighbor, civic leader, and champion of Mill Creek Park.

This sports- and exercise-focused area of the Mill Creek Metroparks sits at the southern edge of our neighborhood, with its main entrance at McCollum Road and South Belle Vista Avenue.

This amazing local treasure offers:

Par 3 Golf Course (18 holes)
Tennis Courts
Batting Cages
Sand Volleyball Courts
Julianna Kurinka Children’s Play Area & Splash Pad (named for a former and generous resident of our Rocky Ridge Neighborhood!)
Open-air Picnic Areas and Thomas J. Bresko Pavilion
DEK Hockey Rink
Wick Recreation Center
Baseball/Softball Diamonds
Football/Soccer Fields
Sledding Hills
Cross Country Skiing Areas
Public Restroom Facilities

The newly renovated Wick Recreation Center has been reimagined as a multi-purpose facility, including equipment and meeting room rentals, concessions, and public restrooms.

Learn more about
James L. Wick, Jr. Recreation Area

Just south of the Wick Recreation Area are the Lower Bears Den Picnic Area/Playground, as well as the Bears Den Cabin and Birch Hill Cabin facilities, which are available as rentals.

Birch Hill Cabin

Bears Den Cabin

MORLEY PAVILION

Located within the Wick Recreation Area, the Judge Leo P. Morley Performing Arts Pavilion is a magnificent outdoor venue which opened In 1994. The facility earned an Award of Honor from the Ohio Society of American Institute of Architects.

Boasting a 1600 sq. ft. stage and a 2.5-acre lawn seating area, it has hosted the “Live! at the Morley” summer concert series and many other musical and theatrical performances. It is currently available as a rental venue and looks to have more events in the future.

Opposite the Morley Pavilion sits the Rocky Ridge Sugar House and the Charles S. Robinson Maple Grove, the home base for the Rocky Ridge Neighbors’ signature community initiative—Mill Creek Maple Syrup!

For rentals or more information about
Judge Leo P. Morley Performing Arts Pavilion,
call Wick Recreation Staff at 330-740-7114.

LILY POND AND LAKE GLACIER

Water and wildlife have always been spectacular features of Mill Creek Park. Three lakes, a pond, and wetlands have provided generations of visitors countless enjoyable and educational experiences. Rocky Ridge is physically and emotionally connected to the Lily Pond and Lake Glacier.

The Lily Pond, also known to locals as “The Goldfish Pond”, is quite the hidden gem as it is tucked into a sweeping hillside, surrounded and protected by forest and fauna. Encircled by a walking path, visitors can be up close to various waterfowl, fish, and “sunbathing” turtles. With each change of the season, the views are magical!

Formed by the damming of Mill Creek, Lake Glacier is blessed with the magnificent sights and sounds of nature. Add in the Parapet Bridge, Glacier Boathouse, The Old Log Cabin, North End Spillway, The Wall Garden, Slippery Rock Pavilion, and the Old Tree or East Glacier Hiking Trails, it’s a photographer’s paradise.