Show ParkFinder

Our Mission

Our Mission: Stark Parks mission is to preserve, manage, and connect natural areas to serve the community through recreation, conservation and education.

Our Vision: Stark Parks will be recognized as an essential community asset.

Our Values:

1. Integrity/Trust

2. Teamwork

3. Customer Service

4. Environmental Stewardship

5. Work Ethic

6. Respect for Each Other

7. Community Partnerships

8. We have fun!

Board of Commissioners

The Stark County Park District is an independent political subdivision created and governed by Section 1545 of the Ohio Revised Code. A volunteer five-member Park Commission is appointed by the Probate Court and governs the Park District.

Members of the Park Commission are very interested in your thoughts and comments, and invite members of the public to the monthly meetings.

Five Park Board members and park director posing for photo

Board Members

(left to right) Andrew Hayden, Chairperson
Denise Freeland, Vice-Chairperson

Bill Bryan
Patricia Quick
Ralph Dublikar

(far left) Park Director, Robert Fonte

2019 Meeting Schedule

Jan. 2, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
Feb. 13, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
March 6, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
April 3, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
May 1, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
June 5, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
July 3, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
Aug. 7, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
Sept. 4, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
Sept. 10, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
Oct. 2, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
Nov. 6, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda Minutes
Dec. 4, 2019 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse
Agenda
Jan. 8, 2020 at 2 PM at the Sippo Lake Clubhouse

Recent Posts

Nov 21

Exceptional Volunteers Honored

Stark Parks Volunteers and their accomplishments were celebrated at a red carpet-themed dinner on Thursday, November 21 at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. The theme was a nod to… More

Nov 8

Holiday Happenings

There’s a chill in the air and the snow will be falling soon, but that doesn’t mean the outdoor fun has to stop. Winter is a beautiful time to get… More

Aug 20

Stark Exploring Trail Challenge is Back!

Hike Your Way to a Free Hiking Stick and Shield The leaves are turning, the air is brisk, and fall is popping up all around. This season, Stark Exploring is… More

Apr 9

parkrun, Free 5k Held Saturdays at Sippo Lake Park!

Friends of Stark Parks is proud to bring parkrun USA to Sippo Lake Park in 2019! parkrun is a completely free, weekly (held every Saturday morning), timed 5k staged at… More

Apr 17

Be Safe and Courteous on the Trails

Warmer weather brings more people around the parks and enjoying hiking and biking trails across Stark County. Stark Parks is the Place to Be this year and the Public Safety… More

Feb 1

Celebrating 50 Years

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

Towpath Trail Closed in Areas

We expect water to recede over the weekend. As of 6/21/19, we cannot access trail damage or downed trees in many areas. These areas will be closed to trail users until a full inspection is complete. Please follow all trail closing barricades and signs.

View All Park and Trail Alerts

Hi There! We hope you are looking to Opt Outside today or any day. Take a break from buying presents and be present. Your body and mind thank you!

Start Exploring!

Feedback Requested!

We are now accepting public comment on the Phase 4 Iron Horse Trail proposal through January 29, 2019.

E-bike Pilot Program

Class 1 e-bikes are permitted to ride on multi-purpose trails (crushed limestone or asphalt) as part of a pilot program in 2019. 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.

Trail Closed

We expect water to recede over the weekend. As of 6/21/19, we cannot access trail damage or downed trees in many places. These areas will be closed to trail users until a full inspection is complete. Please follow all trail closing barricades and signs.

View All Park and Trail Alerts

Marinas Open for Season May 1

Registration Reminder!

1. Make sure you register and pay (if applicable) for the camp. 2. Print your waiver and bring it with you to camp. 3. Read over special instructions and welcome letter. 4. Call us at 330.477.3552 with any questions.

Serenades in the Park Concert Cancelled-Petros Lake Park

The concert has been cancelled as of 12 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2019 due to inclement weather in the forecast at the performance time. The exact same performance will be held tomorrow, Monday Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. on the steps of North Canton City Hall, 145 N. Main St., North Canton, 44720.

Sorry for the Confusion!

The Youth Archery program shown on Dec. 1 in the Winter Newsletter will be held on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway. We apologize for the mix up.