New park to be named for Judge Swift

BRACEVILLE -- The sixth park in the Trumbull County MetroParks system will be named for Judge Thomas A. Swift of Trumbull County Probate Court.
Judge Swift has served as an adviser to MetroParks since its inception in 1969. MetroParks acquired the 12.2 acres for $30,900 through a Clean Ohio grant.
The parcel is located in Braceville Township on the north side of the Mahoning River, just north of Center of the World at the state Route 5 bypass and state Route 82.
The park will provide river access for canoeing and kayaking about three miles upstream from Canoe City in Warren Township.
The property is a key piece toward the establishment of a water trail on the river in Trumbull County, according to Bill Flynn, MetroParks chairman.
Swift MetroPark is the third county park located on the river.
The site is also a strategic location for the Western Reserve Heritage Multi-use Trail, a multicounty trail system in the early design phase, Flynn said.
Future site plans include planting a collection of native Ohio tree species to reforest the property for educational purposes and for general site enhancement.
Funding assistance is being sought to develop the park, including parking facilities. MetroParks are free to the public.