Show ParkFinder

How to Donate

Donations are made to Friends of Stark Parks, a charitable 501 (c) (3) organization. Friends of Stark Parks supports Stark Parks as a partner in preserving and protecting the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in Stark County.

Family hiking in wetlands

Contributions and Donations

Your tax-deductible gift to Friends of Stark Parks will be used to support Stark Parks' effort to be the community leader in promoting the responsible use of Stark County’s natural resources; in educating our community and enlisting its involvement in conservation education; and in supporting facilities and programs.

Tributes

Your tribute gift honors the importance of someone special in your life and creates a lasting contribution towards the future of Stark Parks. Donating in tribute in lieu of flowers or at a family’s bequest is an impactful way to support Stark Parks while honoring someone’s life.

Father and kids looking over Sippo Lake

Download the Brochure

Celebration Garden Layout

Celebration Gardens

Molly Stark Park will be a designated Celebration Garden program site. A habitat and/or wildlife area will be established and will feature natural areas with native plants, as opposed to traditional flower gardens. The site will be indicated with signage and will direct visitors to this area of the website to access information about those who have contributed or are being honored.

Download the Brochure

Leave a Legacy

Did you know that you can give to Stark Parks in a variety of ways? Not just by volunteering, but in creative ways that allow you to use your assets? Thanks to our Permanent Endowment Fund through the Stark Community Foundation, Friends of Stark Parks supporters can make charitable contributions to benefit Stark Parks. Your tax-deductible gifts to benefit the Stark Parks Endowment Fund or the Wildlife Conservation Center building fund can include:

Cash
Publicly Traded Securities
Real Property
Tangible Personal Property
Other Property

Tall trees at Deer Creek Reservoir

Friends of Stark Parks can also accept planned gifts to the endowment fund to assure the mission of Stark Parks will continue into the future. Planned gifts accepted can include:

Bequests
Life Estates
Life Insurance Policies
Life Income Programs
Retirement Plan Gifts
Charitable Gift Annuity
Charitable Remainder Trust
Charitable Lead Trust

Let's Have a Conversation

Recent Posts

May 24

300 Hours Outside Challenge

Tired of sitting behind a computer screen or listening to the kids yell at Fortnite? Take it outside! Stark Parks is challenging you to a 300 Hours Outside Challenge. It… More

Jul 26

Stark Exploring Trail Challenge

Soon enough, the leaves will be turning, the air will be brisk, and fall will be popping up all around. Take the Stark Exploring Challenge and experience autumn with Stark… More

Jun 30

Ohio Bio Exhibit Now Open

A new natural history timeline exhibit called Ohio Bio is now open to visitors. Located inside the Canalway Center at the Exploration Gateway, the exhibit shows some of the significant… More

Jun 21

Summer Serenades Returns for 2021 Season

The popular seven concert series that combines the spontaneous sounds of nature and people enjoying a park with the orchestrated sounds of musicians runs through July and August this summer. … More

Apr 25

Towpath Trail Construction Work in Massillon

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began an ongoing levee project near the Tuscarawas River in August 2020. This is a long term project that will affect this section of… More

Mar 19

Ranger Bass Fishing Series

Spend the day on the water at Stark Parks Ranger Bass Tournaments! All tournaments are $60 per boat (cash only) with proceeds benefitting the Stark Parks Ranger Cadet Program.… More

Mar 18

Walborn Reservoir Eagle Nest Report

In 1979 there were only four eagle pairs in Ohio. The state is now home to around 200 nests with about 300 known eaglets hatching each year. 2018 and 2019… 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

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

The Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park is now accepting indoor meetings, banquets, and rental events. The Lily Pad Gift Shop and Canalway Center debuting an Ohio Bio exhibit are open regular hours of Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone orders and curbside pick up will continue to be offered.

The Manor House at Quail Hollow Park is accepting new rental reservations.

COVID-19 UPDATES

The Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park has resumed reservations for indoor meetings, banquets, and rental events. The Lily Pad Gift Shop and Canalway Center debuting an Ohio Bio exhibit are open regular hours of Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone orders and curbside pick up will continue to be offered. The Manor House at Quail Hollow Park is now accepting new rental reservations.

Injured and orphaned wildlife will continue to be accepted on a case by case basis at the Wildlife Conservation Center due to animal capacity limits. Please call 330-477-0448 for details on how to bring your animal in. Please do not take animals to the center without calling first.

The interior atrium is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with several new exhibits including an aquatic turtle tank with spotted turtles, a small mammal enclosure, aviary exhibit, and a climbing tree snake display. The outdoor enclosures will continue to be open until 6 p.m. for self-guided tours. Applications and interviews for new volunteers interested in assisting with wildlife care and cleaning will be accepted beginning in November 2021.

Marinas at Sippo Lake Park and Walborn Reservoir continue to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with food and bait sales and equipment rentals.

Eagle Observation Open with Restrictions

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.