Mill Creek MetroParks lays off workers, cuts employee hours

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Sixteen Mill Creek MetroParks employees are feeling the effects of park cutbacks during the coronavirus crisis.

Park officials announced on Friday that they began issuing notices of hour reductions and layoffs to sixteen non-union support staff.

21 News has reached out to park officials for more information on how many workers are being laid-off and how many are having their hours cut. As of this writing park officials have not responded.

“As we work diligently to serve the community as a much needed, natural respite during these challenging times, it has become clear that even the MetroParks is not immune to both the operational and financial impacts of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, as a result of the negative impacts that this pandemic has had on our critically supporting revenue sources, we can no longer avoid implementing hour reductions and lay-offs of some of our dedicated employees,” said Aaron Young, Executive Director.

Earlier this week park officials extended cancellations and closures through August, including all previously scheduled programs, tours, events, lectures and indoor facility rentals.

The following Mill Creek MetroParks locations will be closed to the public through August 31:

  • MetroParks Farm Education Building and Animal Barns
  • D.D. & Velma Davis Education and Visitors Center
  • All Reservable Pavilions, Cabins & Shelters
  • Yellow Creek Lodge
  • Lanterman’s Mill
  • Administration Office
  • All Basketball Courts
  • All Playgrounds
  • All Tennis Courts
  • All Ball Fields
  • Wet Playground at Wick Recreation Area and Spray Basin at Scholl Recreation Area
  • Dek Hockey Rink – located at Wick Recreation Area
  • Lake Newport & Lake Glacier Boathouses

Various Mill Creek MetroParks outdoor locations will remain open and available for use including Mill Creek Park, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Sebring Woods, the MetroParks Bikeway, Mill Creek Golf Course, Wick Par-3, MetroParks Farm Disc Golf Course and all nature preserves and sanctuaries.

Full article at wfmj.com