HOWLAND — The Trumbull County MetroParks Board is exploring setting up a foundation to benefit the park district and is in discussions with the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley to move forward with this opportunity.

Board member Robert Ward said metroparks officials should consider a foundation so people can make donations to which can be used for various needs of the park district.

He said other metroparks in Cleveland and Columbus have foundations, as does Mill Creek MetroParks in Mahoning County.

That organization received $129 ,000 in donations in 2025.

Ward said setting up a foundation with an endowment fund will allow for donations from the public which can help the metroarks survive.

“The foundation will help us extend our reach as we focus on fundraising, promotions and awareness of the MetroParks,” he said.

Park officials have been in contact with representatives of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley on what needs to be done to create a foundation.

Officials said the CFMV is asking the metroparks board to consider establishing an agency fund to support and strengthen the metroparks’ long-term sustainability.

The CFMV would provide the metroparks with a professionally managed resource to support its work conserving and managing natural resources, expanding recreation and outdoor access and enhancing community health and economic benefit through quality park experiences.

The CFMV would establish an expendable fund within the foundation for the metroparks.

Board member Nicolette Darkangelo said a park foundation would replace the Friends of the metroparks group, which did fundraising.

Park Executive Director Zachary Svette said he has reached out to past levy committee members who could be involved with promoting the metroparks.

In addition to planning for a park foundation, two subcommittees were formed with one a foundation working group committee, which would include Darkangelo and Ward and a personnel group of board members John Brown and Patrick Moro who would assist Svette with interviews and selection of part-time park employees such as an office worker.

That committee would also do a review of employees.

FUNDS FROM COMMISSIONERS

Svette said having a new part-time office employee is contingent on what funding the Trumbull County Commissioners approve for the metroparks.

He said the metroparks are seeking $150,000 this year with a discussion on the request by commissioners expected later this month.

Park Board President Randy Fabrizio said he would be willing to attend future commissioners meetings if there are questions asked about the needs of the metroparks and its 2026 budget.

“We will wait and see what decision is made by the commissioners before we move forward with projects,” Svette said.

In other business, the board:

• Will seek Ohio Environmental Protection Agency grant funds of up to $100,000 for restoration work at Swift Park and also for planning projects at Metroparks locations along the Mahoning River.

• Heard from Svette the cold winter, which froze the water at the Leavittsburg Dam, and heavy snow delayed the removal of the dam, including sediment removal. Work has been continuing on dam removal, The dam is owned by the Metroparks, and its removal was up for debate for months. MetroPark officials deemed the structure a drowning hazard and environmental concern, while Warren Township trustees objected, citing the potential for erosion and property damage downstream once the dam is removed.

• Heard from Svette of plans to add parking lots to newly acquired park properties in the county, including an area off Route 5 in Braceville.

• Approved seeking proposals for the donation of the log cabin and associated timbers in Braceville. The Metroparks owns the cabin.

• Heard from Svette that a state audit is being done at a cost of $2,940.