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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

Aug 26

COVID-19 Updates

Stark Parks has updated the next phase of the COVID-19 plan and continues to make adjustments to current services based on the recommendations of the Governor’s office and available safety… More

Sep 22

Fall Fest Adventure: Trail Tale

While our traditional Fall Fest event looks different this year, we know it's important to come together and celebrate the season! This October, get outside with your family for a… 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

Jun 16

Towpath Trail Closed Weekdays 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

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. Restrooms are open and Rangers continue regular patrols. Facility closures include: • Public Buildings • Playgrounds

All public ramps and fishing areas are open. Social distancing is required. Docks and smaller areas must abide by 6 feet distancing, at a minimum. Marinas at Sippo Lake and Walborn Reservoir are open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for pre-packaged snacks and drinks and night crawlers. Boat rentals are not being offered due to high-touch procedures.

Be courteous and safe. Stay home if you don’t feel well and continue to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

More Information

COVID-19 UPDATES

All parks and trails are open at this time. Playgrounds remain closed. 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.

Limited in-person, outdoors programs are planned for the fall. Virtual programs will continue using the Zoom platform. Public board meetings are again being held in person, following CDC guidelines. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at the lower level of the Exploration Gateway to accommodate physical distance requirements.

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). Outdoor rentals are available, under new capacity limits and guidelines, and can been reserved on a first-come, first served basis

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.

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.