IN Millcreek Summer 2016 | Page 13

MI L LC RE E K TOW N SHI P Millcreek Veterans Park In 2007, with the aid of a matching State grant, Millcreek Township purchased roughly 23 acres of land at the intersection of Love and Zimmerly Roads. Walnut Creek meanders its way through most of the heavily wooded land. The property not only is some of the most beautiful in the Township, it is also historically significant. In the early 1800’s, one of Millcreek’s first schools was located on the property. From 1866-1892, a grist mill operated there. In 1958, Edward and Marea Cassidy purchased the property and operated a campground until just after the turn of the century. On November 5th of 2011, the property was formally dedicated as Veterans Park. The thousands of Millcreek and Erie County residents, who have so honorably served our Country, were recognized during a ceremony that morning. Since purchasing the land, the Township removed several structures that had fallen into disrepair and reconstructed several amenities transforming the space into a beautiful new park. Millcreek Township was awarded grants by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission that enabled the Parks and Recreation Department to construct a restroom facility and fish habitat along Walnut Creek. This particular stretch of the creek is fast becoming very popular with steelhead trout fishermen since the Commission returns to stock the creek regularly. The most recent phase of park improvements included the construction of driveways, parking areas, a fishing pier designed for citizens with disabilities, as well as a new indoor/outdoor picnic pavilion that houses additional restrooms, a kitchen area, and a fireplace. This new pavilion provides the Millcreek community with a great place for families and groups to gather while enjoying some of nature’s artistry. The pavilion is now available for rental through the late spring, summer, and early fall season. Please visit the Parks and Recreation Department home page at www.millcreektownship.com to view the rental agreement for this new shelter. Millcreek Township was awarded grants by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission that enabled the Parks and Recreation Department to construct a restroom facility and fish habitat along Walnut Creek. Local veterans from the S.O.N.S of Lake Erie enjoy fishing along Walnut Creek at Veterans Park. t Photo left to right:  Gerry Vollentine, US Marine Corp; Chuck Miller, US Army; Bill Henderson, US Navy; and Ed Kissell, US Army. Millcreek | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 11