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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

2019 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:

A new Celebration Garden in Molly Stark Park
A park-wide bench program
The planting of trees in various parks
The purchase of a new FeLeap the Frog costume
An established Endowment Fund to be used towards a new Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park

Recent Posts

Dec 14

COVID-19 Updates

Stark Parks continues to make adjustments to current services based on the recommendations of the Governor’s office and safety measures communicated by the Stark County Health Dept. “We have kept… More

Jan 14

Towpath Trail Construction Work in Massillon

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is beginning an ongoing levee project near the Tuscarawas River in August 2020 that will cause intermittent closures along the Towpath Trail. Weekday closures… More

Jul 20

Mindfulness Walk Presented with NACPRO Award

Stark Parks is proud to announce that the Mindfulness Walk at Petros Lake Park has been selected as a recipient of a 2020 National Association of County Parks and Recreation… More

Mindfulness Walk

Mar 13

On Your Own Adventures!

The safety of our park, trail, and program visitors has always been our top priority. While we have made the decision to suspend all public and volunteer programs as well… More

Feb 20

FeLeap Year Celebrates 53 Years of Stark Parks!

The year 2020 marks the 53rd year of Stark Parks serving the Stark County community. Over the last 53 years, we've offered parks and trails, wildlife education and rehabilitation, and the management… 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). 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!

New Date and Time for March 2020 Board Meeting

New Meeting Date: Thursday March 5, at 6 p.m.

Location: Exploration Gateway-Sippo Lake Park North 5712 12th St. NW, Canton 44708

COVID-19 Updates

Parks and trails are open for people (and pets) to use and enjoy. Social distancing is required. Restrooms are open.

Public buildings and playgrounds are closed.

Zoom virtual programs include yoga, wildife, and other topics. The schedule can be found under the Activities/Event Calendar.

Please call 330-477-0448 before bringing an injured animal to the Wildlife Conservation Center.

More Information

COVID-19 UPDATES

All parks and trails are open at this time. Park Rangers continue patrols and can be reached at 330-353-2377. Stark Parks will continue to follow guidance provided by all federal, state and local health authorities.

Virtual programs discussing wildlife, practicing yoga, and other topics will continue using the Zoom platform. The schedule can be found by clicking on Activities/Event Calendar.

All public buildings and facilities are closed including Administration Offices, Exploration Gateway (access to Perry-Sippo Library only), Quail Hollow Park (Manor House and Nature Center).

Injured and orphaned wildlife are accepted on a limited basis at the Wildlife Conservation Center. Please call 330-477-0448 for details on how to bring your animal in. Do not take animals to the center without calling first. Masks are required while in the wildlife viewing area outside the Center for the protection of the staff and wildlife.

For general information, please call (330) 477-3552. Continue to check this page for the most up-to-date information, or follow us at Facebook.com/starkparks.

More Information

Eagle Observation Open with Restrictions

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No group viewing at this time, but you are permitted to view with your OWN equipment.
A maximum of 2 people on the deck at any time.