Group takes aim at park leadership

YOUNGSTOWN — A group of concerned citizens is working to coordinate an organized response to what it regards as “shoddy leadership” at Mill Creek MetroParks.

At a planning session tonight, several community members gathered to establish goals and strategies in response to the recent dismissal of 12 park employees.

The group reached consensus on a few goals: expansion of its reach to other community members and organized groups, reinstatement of park employees recently dismissed, and a change of leadership at the park system.

The group plans to host a public meeting before a March 14 park board meeting. Its members also hope to gain the support of organized groups such as Guardians of Mill Creek Park, an advocacy group concerned with park preservation, and Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens, a nonprofit organization that provides considerable monetary support to the MetroParks’ public gardens.

Those who met agreed they want the resignation or dismissal of Executive Director Aaron Young, although agreement was not reached on how best to accomplish that goal.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com