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Mill Creek park goes to the dogs
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Susan Kondos walks her three dogs at Yellow Creek Park in Struthers on Thursday afternoon. Kondos, a self-proclaimed dog lover, said she’s excited for the Mill Creek MetroParks’ new membership program MetroMutts, which invites residents and their dogs into the MetroParks for throughout the year.
By Elise Franco
Youngstown
Mill Creek MetroParks is kicking off a new program for dogs and the owners who love them.
The program, named MetroMutts, is a membership program inviting residents and their dogs into the park for various events throughout the year, said Linda Kostka, MetroParks marketing and development director and self- proclaimed dog lover.
“The program is meant to give people who share the same passion — dogs — the chance to meet and connect,” she said.
MetroMutts kicks off at 2 p.m. Sunday with Puppy Love, which will be a short hike around the Lily Pond at Birch Hill Cabin, at the end of McCollum Road in Youngstown, followed by treats for the dogs and their human counterparts, Kostka said.
She said those in attendance also will have the opportunity to learn more about the program and sign up for an annual membership, which is $35 for an individual or $45 for a family.
Kostka said she began putting the program together about a year ago after researching a similar membership at the Toledo MetroParks.
“There isn’t anything like this around here,” she said. “My hope is to bring more people in and cultivate folks who are supporters of the MetroParks.”
Kostka said the program isn’t a dog park but does offer more options to those who already walk their dogs on park trails.
Many of the events, including hikes and first aid for dogs, promote pet health, she said. Others are simply for fun.
“We have a holiday party planned and a ‘Yappy Hour,’ which is a social hour for the members and their dogs,” Kostka said.
MetroParks employee Susan Kondos said she’s had dogs her whole life and is thrilled about the new program.
“My husband and I have always been big supporters of rescuing dogs,” she said. “This program is going to be a good outlet giving us socialization for the dogs, as well as the opportunity for exercise; and it’s good networking.”
Kondos, who owns a cocker spaniel and a Lab-chow mix, said word has spread and she expects more than 80 people to attend Sunday’s kickoff event.
“It’s a nice opportunity in the winter to get them outside,” she said.
Kostka said MetroMutts is a test of how residents respond to park membership programs. She said she would like to eventually develop more.
“This one is kind of testing the waters,” she said. “I’d like to develop more programs where people support what they’re passionate about in the park.”