Regulations & Ordinances
The Public Safety Dept. or Rangers exist to help you, so don’t be shy about saying hello or reporting any concerns. Users should follow all rules and regulations.
Reach an on-duty Ranger at 330.353.2377
Frequently Asked Questions
All pets must be leashed while on park property and owners must dispose of pet waste properly
Camping is generally not permitted in Stark Parks. A primitive campsite is located at the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead for individuals or small groups hiking or biking the Towpath Trail. Car camping is not permitted. Organized camping by civic groups or other recognized organizations may be allowed with approval in advance.
Fires are not permitted except in park grills or personally owned grills and only for cooking purposes.
Alcohol is not permitted on general park property.
In response to recent legislation enacted by the State of Ohio, Stark Parks has updated our rules and regulations to conform with state law.
Class 1 e-bikes are permitted to ride on multi-purpose trails (crushed limestone or asphalt). E-bikes are not permitted on natural surface, equestrian, or mountain bike trails.
A class 1 e-bike is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
All-terrain vehicles are not permitted in any area.
All state fishing regulations apply. If you are 16 years of age or older, you are required to have a license. Seniors also need to have a license, but may have a fee waived. Contact ODNR for these details.
Hunting is permitted only in designated areas within the park district and all state hunting regulations apply.
The speed limit on most park roadways and parking lots is 15 mph. Please obey all posted speed limits.
Swimming is not permitted in any body of water within the park district.
Freedom of speech, press, religion and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources.
Special events that fall under First Amendment rules include:
- Distribution and/or sale of printed matter
- Religious services
- Public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.
- Collecting signatures for petitions
First Amendment activities with over 25 participants require the approval of a Special Event Request. The park may regulate the time, place and manner in which these activities are conducted.
All printed material that will be distributed must be attached to the initial application for review. Free speech sites have been designated at specific Stark County Park District locations.
littering; feeding wildlife; removing flowers, shrubs and other property; disorderly conduct; public indecency and nudity; fireworks; and posting and distributing signs or advertisements
Drones are not permitted to take off or land within the park district but they are able to overfly the park district as long as they do not touch the ground. The operator also needs to be aware of the rules regarding flight beyond visual reference in the rules regarding flying over people.
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Recent Posts
Derby Circuit-Spring and Summer 2022 Stark Parks is happy to announce all derbies will be returning this spring. Like so many programs, the annual children’s derbies were put on hold… More
Stark County Park District is applying to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ 2022 Natureworks Grant Program to build an accessible fishing boardwalk at Fry Family Park. It will span… More
The Stark County Board of Park Commissioners today named DAN MOEGLIN the new Executive Director of Stark Parks and named DEREK GORDON to the newly created position of Deputy Director… More
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The popular concert series that combines the spontaneous sounds of nature and people enjoying a park with the orchestrated sounds of musicians runs through July and August this summer. The… More
During the month of June the Natural Resources Department will be planting thousands of native plugs in a wetland being restored at Tam O' Shanter Park. Volunteer help is needed!… More
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began an ongoing levee project near the Tuscarawas River in August 2020. This is a long term project that will affect this section of… More
We hope you enjoy the observations of eagle watching volunteers and invite you to stop by the nest site located on the west side of Walborn Reservoir. Laws protecting eagles… More
Humble Beginnings (1960s and 1970s) The year was 1967. Although Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources had been established 18 years before in 1949, it was three years before the establishment… More
