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Friends of Stark Parks

Friends of Stark Parks (FSP) is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting the development and use of Stark County Park District parks, trails, facilities, educational programs, and events in Stark County, Ohio.

FSP raises funds through memberships, donations, grants and several annual fundraisers. The FSP Board meets monthly to discuss responsible spending of the monies raised through these events.

Meet the Trustees

Become a Member

2021 Annual Report

Couple on Blanket looking over Reservoir

With Your Support

Money raised from FSP supports a variety of supplemental projects in Stark Parks including:

Water Trail on the Tuscarawas River
A park-wide bench program
The planting of trees in various parks
Support of the Stark Exploring program
Support of the Dark Sky Initiative
An established Endowment Fund for the Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park

2022 Annual Donation Campaign

Recent Posts

Nov 15

Exceptional Volunteers Honored

Front Row (L to R): Deb Belden, Lindy Anastis, Denise FreelandBack Row (L to R): Wayne Wellbaum, Executive Director Dan Moeglin, Patrick Cooper, Howard Montgomery from NE Ohio Orienteering Club. Not Pictured: Patricia… More

Jan 25

Feedback Welcome for Branding and Marketing Survey

Stark Parks is working to update our branding and marketing elements to better engage and connect with you. Your input is needed to better understand what Stark Parks means to… More

Dec 1

Celebrating Over 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). 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.

Deadline Approaching: Order Club Apparel by Feb. 9!

Use the Shop Apparel Button on the main page or the button below!

Branding Survey

Stark Parks is looking to update our branding and marketing elements to better engage and connect with our community. Your input is important and needed.

Please take this survey and share your feedback. It should take less than five minutes. Thank you for your interest!

Take the Survey