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Stark County Park District
Ranger Department

Rules and Regulations
Serving and Protecting Stark Parks

The Stark County Park District Ranger Department is committed to protecting the Stark Parks trails, parks, waterways, and natural resources. As fully commissioned law enforcement officers, our Rangers provide safety, education, and enforcement to ensure every park visitor has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Who We Are
Truck with Ranger Decal park setting in background

All members of our Ranger Department are OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) Certified Peace Officers with full powers of arrest and are held to the same professional and ethical standards as any municipal or county law enforcement officer in the state of Ohio. Our Rangers proudly serve as the law enforcement branch of Stark Parks, ensuring every visitor has a safe, positive experience in one of Ohio’s most beautiful and diverse park systems.

When every second counts, the Stark Parks Rangers are there. Public safety in park environments requires more than enforcement — it requires rapid, adaptable response capabilities. From administering CPR on a trail to pulling someone from icy waters, Stark County Park Rangers are always ready to act.

  • Specialized Field Training - wildlife and conservation regulations and visitor safety and education
  • Law Enforcement - wildlife, watercraft, traffic, park ordinances, criminal offenses
  • Emergency Response - All Rangers are trained and certified in life-saving medical assistance, including first aid, CPR, and AED; response includes medical emergencies, ice and water rescue, search and rescue
  • Diverse Patrol Methods - car and truck, on-foot, bicycle, ATV/UTV, and boat patrols 

Join Us in Keeping Parks Safe

SCPD New Patch (Small)

We encourage park guests to play a role in community safety.  See something? Say something.

Report suspicious activity, safety hazards, or emergencies to the Ranger Department immediately at 330-353-2377 or by dialing 911.  Working together, we can keep Stark County’s parks safe, beautiful, and enjoyable for generations to come.

Meet K-9 Ranger Maverick

K9 Ranger MaverickK-9 Maverick is a purebred English Labrador Retriever and the second K-9 officer to serve in the Stark County Park District Ranger Department. With his friendly demeanor, sharp instincts, and strong work ethic, Maverick is already making a lasting impression as both a community ambassador and a skilled working K-9.

Maverick was officially sworn in on October 8, 2024, during a special ceremony recognizing his vital role in supporting park safety and law enforcement operations.

Partnered with his handler, Ranger Turner, Maverick is fully certified in the following disciplines:

Tracking: Locating missing persons or suspects through scent trails
Article Search: Detecting and retrieving items with human scent
Narcotics Detection: Identifying illegal substances during investigations

As a fully certified K-9, Maverick plays a key role in supporting patrol efforts, enhancing investigations, and assisting with search and rescue operations within the park district and during mutual aid situations.

Ranger Explorer Program

The Stark Parks Ranger Explorer Program offers a unique opportunity for young adults ages 15 to 20 to experience firsthand what it’s like to serve and protect within a park law enforcement agency.

This immersive program allows participants to observe, explore, and engage in real-life situations involving natural resource enforcement, wildlife laws, and public safety, all under the guidance of experienced Stark Parks Rangers.

  • Real-world Experience in Law Enforcement
  • Leadership, Fitness, and Career Skills
  • Career Path in Law Enforcement 
Learn about wildlife law, firearm safety, search and rescue, and first aid through exploring Stark Parks' trails, parks and lakes.  


Ranger Explorer Interest Form