YOUNGSTOWN — A popular destination in Mill Creek MetroParks received a gift that will continue to give.

A $1 million gift was provided to the Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation Benefactor’s Trust by Brandon J. Kovach, who will be named as benefactor of the Lily Pond.

He decided to make the “eternal donation” to pay tribute to a place where he’s spent a lot of time through his life.

“Mill Creek MetroParks is not just the crown gem of the Mahoning Valley. It’s home to nearly all of my fondest memories,” Kovach said.

It’s also Kovach’s way of giving back to the Valley — the community that has helped him along the way.

“I’d like to thank the people of Youngstown who supported me,” he said. “The determinism and tenaciousness that’s still tempered here generations after the last steel mill tempered anything is what truly made this possible.”

Kovach, an entrepreneur, graduated in 2010 from Austintown Fitch High School. After graduation, he attended the University of Akron and Harvard Extension school. Kovach invests in small businesses, and also has designed or white labeled several software brands.

Along the way, he also has grown a digital marketing agency, a printing services company, and also is owner of Tobacco Tavern in Boardman, currently under renovation to become what’s termed a “premium smoking destination.”

The Benefactor’s Trust allows for maintenance, preservation and improvements to landmarks throughout the MetroParks.

The Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation was created in 1980 with the intent to advance the mission of the park system through fund development.

In the case of the Lily Pond, which has been a favorite spot in the park since 1896, “this generous investment will provide long-term support to ensure that locations like the Lily Pond will continue to be a place for visitors to experience the beauty and wonder of the natural world for generations to come,” said Chris Litton, development director.

Litton has been working to keep the various icons around the park financially stable through an endowment fund.

Endowments can be in any dollar amount, which stays whole in perpetuity. Leaving or making a gift can also take on the form of a property transfer, Litton has previously told The Vindicator.

Anyone interested in donating to Mill Creek MetroParks can contact Litton at 330-702-3000, Ext. 118, or visit lovemillcreek.org, and click on “Donate” at the bottom of the page.

afox@vindy.com