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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

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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

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Recent Posts

Nov 12

Bob Fonte to Retire as Director

Stark County Park District Director Bob Fonte notified the district’s board of commissioners, at its Nov. 3 meeting, that he will retire effective May 2, 2022. Fonte has served as… More

Aug 10

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

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 18

Walborn Reservoir Eagle Nest Report

We hope you enjoy the observations of eagle watching volunteers and invite you to stop by the nest site located on the west side of Walborn Reservoir. Laws protecting eagles… 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

Masks are strongly recommended while visiting indoor facilities and attending indoor programs. The Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park is now accepting indoor meetings, banquets, and rental events. The Lily Pad Gift Shop is open Thursdays, Noon to 6 p.m., and Fridays, 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

Face masks are recommended for all patrons entering indoor facilities and attending indoor programs. The Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park has resumed reservations for indoor meetings, banquets, and rental events. The Lily Pad Gift Shop is open Thursdays, Noon to 6 p.m. and Fridays, 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 Monday to Saturday 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.

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.