New Mill Creek MetroParks board members take their oaths today

CANFIELD — After taking the oath of office today, Lee Frey and Tom Shipka are ready to join the Mill Creek MetroParks board as members at the Monday meeting. 

Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr., who by state law is responsible for appointing park board members, swore in Frey and Shipka at the MetroParks office this afternoon. 

In interviews, Frey and Shipka said establishing greater transparency and working to regain public trust in the MetroParks are top priorities. 

Frey said he believes it's important for the public to get more involved with the park system, and that park leaders should be responsive to suggestions and concerns. 

Shipka said transparency from MetroParks leadership is a key issue. 

"I think we have lost a lot of public support recently, and I think we need to restore that," he said. 

Frey is a former Canfield mayor and teacher. Shipka is former chairman of Youngstown State University's philosophy and religious studies department. 

The board meets at 6 p.m. Monday at the MetroParks Farm at 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road.