In order to provide greater access to its Lily Pond facility, Ohio’s Mill Creek MetroParks partnered with GPD to develop and implement improvements to the visitor experience.  

GPD developed a phased approach for the MetroParks to work within the funding limits. The $344,000 Phase I funding was provided in part by the Hine Memorial Fund of the Youngstown Foundation and the Ohio EPA Surface Water Improvement Fund (SWIF), as well as several private donations. The design team identified the grading constraints and opportunities to get close to the water, developed opportunities for enhanced habitat and optimized the design for future maintenance.

GPD successfully delivered a new arrival plaza featuring benches, a drinking fountain, information kiosk and a new boardwalk that leads from the arrival plaza to an observation deck that overlooks the Frog Pond, improving access and enjoyment for MetroParks visitors.