HOWLAND — The Trumbull County MetroParks Board is undertaking enhancements to park property in Champion.

Zachary Svette, executive director of the MetroParks, said the work will include clearing vegetation from the wetland area and making other improvements for a planned walking trail. The property is located off Route 45 near Prentice Road.

The park board at a recent meeting approved Better Meadows and Woodlands LLP at $18,737 to do the work for the Champion wetlands improvement project.

He said the project, which will be completed this spring and summer, is part of the Clean Ohio grant from 2024 with all project funds to be paid from the grant.

Svette noted the project is a new one for this year, alongside other projects at the MetroParks, like the Greenway bikeway trail work started in 2025.

In other business, Svette said the Leavittsburg Dam removal is on pause due to high water and storm damage following recent severe weather.

Work started earlier this year to remove the dam, which is owned by the MetroParks.

Also, because of recent severe weather with heavy rainfall and strong winds many trees have fallen over.

Svette said trees have fallen, and many are leaning over into other properties. He also noted that a large tree fell over at the park property off North Road in Howland.

“We want to be a good neighbor and do something before they fall,” Svette said.

The board is seeking proposals for tree removal work.

Also, the board:

• Are waiting to hear from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley regarding approval of a $6,500 grant for the MetroParks for an Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant ramp at the park office building in Howland.

• Heard from Svette, who will attend a meeting of the Mahoning River Water Trail Association, which will plan for projects by the river.

• Approved Raymond McAnallen and Barry Gwinn for independent contractor work in the parks. The workers will be paid $15 per hour at 20 hours per week April through October. Board member Nicolette Darkangelo said the board wants to be fiscally responsible and will use the workers on an as-needed basis.

• Approved a portable restroom contract with Johnny on the Spot LLC at $3,125, which was a $500 increase over the previous contract. Portable restrooms will be placed at Foster, Oakfield and Clarence Darrow parks and at the Sunside Trailhead.