Friends of Stark Parks
Friends of Stark Parks is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the mission of Stark Parks through fundraising, membership, and advocacy 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. Join the Friends of Stark Parks Facebook Group and be a part of the conversation.
Because of 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
Friends of Stark Parks Mileage Tracking
Other incentives of being a Friends of Stark Parks member is the individual and group mileage tracking program and member-only programs. Mileage can be tracked for hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, kayaking/canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Use the mileage tracking button to enter your adventures and the mileage report to see total distances.
2025 Friends of Stark Parks Member Only Programs
Registration will be required for all 2025 member programs. Registration links will be posted in early 2025. Below is a partial list of planned programs.
End of 2024 Season/Kickoff Event
February 1, 2025
10 a.m. to Noon
Buckle up for new adventures in 2025. Join Stark Parks and their Friends' group on the morning of February 1st at 10am at the Exploration Gateway to celebrate the 2024 season and learn what 2025 has in store for you. A continental breakfast will be provided. If you’re not already a member of Friends of Stark Parks this is a perfect opportunity to learn more about what we do and how you can get involved. Please register here.
An optional group hike on the trails at Sippo Lake Park will follow the indoor portion of the event.
FOSP Member-Only Event
March 22, 2025
Hike at Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center
10 a.m. to Noon
Huston Brumbaugh is a 109-acre Nature Center owned and operated by the University of Mount Union. Join us for a guided hike around the grounds by a representative from Huston Brumbaugh as we explore this unique site searching for birds, spring wildflowers, and learn about the local history. Bring your binoculars and any ID books you might need.
16146 Daniel St. NE. Minerva, Ohio 44657
Member-Only Event-Sip and Paint
April 23, 2025
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Tam O'Shanter Park
Enjoy a relaxing evening at Tam O'Shanter Park while you paint a spring scene. The instructor will guide you through the process step by step and you will be amazed at what you can create. Alcohol will be available for purchase at this program. Please, no outside food/drinks. This is a Friends of Stark Parks Members Only event for ages 21+.
Member-Only Event- Pontoon Ride (7 passengers per ride)
May 30, 2025
10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Sippo Lake Park Marina
Enjoy 30 minutes of relaxation on the pontoon at Sippo Lake. A Stark Parks Naturalist will on board to point out wildlife. Morning rides are scheduled at the following times: 10:30a, 11a, and 11:30a. Evening rides are 5:30p, 6p, and 6:30p. This is a Friends of Stark Parks Members Only event and registration is required due to limited space.
