Mill Creek director eyes big things for park

January 14, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

AUSTINTOWN

Over the past 16 months, Dennis Miller has gone from golf professional and director of Mill Creek Park’s 36-hole golf course to executive director of the entire Mill Creek Metropark system.

The putt that helped him qualify for the 2012 U.S. Open and vaulted him to No. 1 that day on ESPN’s daily top-10 countdown has also made him a YouTube sensation with nearly 375,000 hits and counting.

While speaking to the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s luncheon at Luciano’s Restaurant, he said that in addition to the golf course there are many other great things happening throughout the park.

“They say you have 15 minutes of fame during your lifetime but that putt has definitely given me well over an hour of good fortune,” he said. “We have quite a bit going on right now as our logo has changed and we’ve begun a new marketing initiative. We want to get our message out to the community in order to let them know the importance of what we are doing and how we can help improve the quality of life for area residents. That is why we are now concentrating on the park’s infrastructure.”

A four-year golf letterman at YSU (1988-91) under head coach Tony Joy, Miller began his professional career in 1992. From 1994-98, he served as assistant pro at the Trumbull Country Club.

He became the head professional at Mill Creek in 1998. From 2002-12, he served as golf director.

He was named executive director in September 2012.

“I might wear many hats now but my position as golf pro helped prepare me for my current post. One thing we need to do better is communicate what we do at the Metroparks so everyone is aware of our many programs at all times,” Miller said.

In addition to highlighting its 36-hole golf course, the Ford Nature Center, Lanterman’s Mill, Lily Pond, Fellows Riverside Gardens and three lakes — Cohasset, Glacier and Newport — continue to receive their share of attention from visitors.

“There’s so much to see, it’s just a matter of taking time to visit in order to see what we have to offer. Visitors will be amazed at what a crown jewel the park really is,” he added.

Miller credits George Bellino and former Sen. Harry Meshel as the two individuals most influential in his moving over to Mill Creek Park.

“Back in April, 1998 George [Bellino] informed me of the opening at the park. I said no chance, but he suggested I talk to Harry [Meshel] to get more details before I make any decision,” Miller said. “I did just that and after talking with Harry that was the only reason I pursued the job. I knew right then and there that I wanted to be a part of what he envisioned for the Metroparks and most especially the golf course.

“The one thing Harry instilled in me was that there are ways of getting things done, even if finances are tight. We’ve raised rates at the course just once in 14 years and that is due to being creative, asking more of our staff without placing the burden on users or taxpayers while improving our efficiencies.”

Next week, Bob Hannon, YSU football play-by-play voice and executive director of the local United Way, will serve as guest speaker.