MetroParks Board to Weigh Sale Authorization
Mill Creek MetroParks is considering granting its executive director, Aaron Young, permission to list the McGuffey Wildlife Preserve for sale. The decision will be discussed at the board’s next meeting, raising questions about the future of one of Mahoning County’s notable green spaces. The proposal follows years of debate about the property’s upkeep and accessibility to the public.
Historical Society Voices Opposition
The William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society, which donated the land to MetroParks in 1998, has publicly objected to the potential sale. Board chairman Richard Scarsella said the group was not consulted about the decision, calling it a breach of the original intent that the preserve remain open and protected for community use. He warned that selling the site could harm nearby communities, including Campbell, Coitsville Township, and Youngstown’s Upper East Side.
Alternative Preservation Options Suggested
Scarsella proposed transferring ownership to another steward, such as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources or a nonprofit conservancy, to ensure the area remains undeveloped and free to access. MetroParks officials have declined to comment further on the pending proposal, leaving the preserve’s future uncertain.
