News & Updates
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 can be on-your-own, with some friends, or along with the kids. How it Works? Take the 300 hour challenge from…
Family Fall Fest!
Happy Fall Y'all! Stark Parks’ Annual Fall Fest will take place Saturday, October 23, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Petros Lake Park's Woodland Shelter. This free, family-friendly event offers lots of fun activities, giveaways and entertainment for kids and families of all ages. Come out and celebrate fall…
Gnomevember Events
Gnomevember is back this year and we have some great activities and events to celebrate! Who doesn't like a gnome? They spread cheer from a door step, brighten our gardens, and bring a smile to your face. We invite you to spread some joy and celebrate Gnomevember with Stark Parks!…
How to Enjoy a Day at Sippo Lake Park
1. The interactive OhioBio exhibit at the Exploration Gateway (Sippo Lake North) -This choose-your-own-adventure style educational exhibit tells the story of local natural history and the effects of our decisions and actions on local wildlife populations over time. Before entering the exhibit hall, pick up a Species Card from our…
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 events that impacted the state’s native animal populations. The free exhibit is currently open Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to…
VeteRUN Walk and Virtual 5k
This Veteran's Day, Stark Parks is honoring those who have served our country by inviting you and your family to take a patriotic hike or run at Quail Hollow Park. The Nature for All Trail will be lined with American flags paying tribute to our veterans with signs sharing the…
Park of the Living Dead Movie and Hike-Cancelled for Oct. 15
Bummer Alert! Due to inclement weather, the Oct. 15th event is cancelled. We'll try again in 2022! Join Stark Parks on Friday, October 15 for Park of the Living Dead. This free event is for ages 21+ only and will begin with a haunted hike through the trails at Tam…
Trash to Treasure Challenge
Another person's trash could be your ticket to a winning art piece! Join Friends of Stark Parks and partners, Stark Parks, Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District, Ohio Ocean Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore Canton for our annual upcycle art contest in celebration of America Recycles Day! We’re looking…
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 Parks! From September 1 to November 30, hike 10 of the select trails and get rewarded with a hiking stick…
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 the towpath through 2022. As of April. 26, 2021, the Towpath Trail is closed between Cherry Rd. and Lake Ave.…
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 define how close you can get to a nest; do not walk any closer than the wooden Observation Deck that…
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 of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and celebration of the first Earth Day in 1970. It would be another…
Find Me FeLeap
Introducing "Find Me FeLeap", another fun scavenger hunt opportunity for you to explore Stark Parks. Ben Weaver, a Jackson High School student and Life Scout with Troop 927-Lake Cable, has designed and placed 12 hidden FeLeap signs across Stark Parks. These signs are tucked away along trails, near wildlife observation areas,…
Help Collect and Clean Native Seeds
Many of the plants and trees within Stark Parks are in their seed stage, which means it’s time to collect and clean these seeds. All are welcome to join for the seed collection or cleaning, and volunteering requires no previous knowledge or experience. A Stark Parks staff member will be…
Hidden Gems of Stark Parks
The great outdoors continues to be one of the safest places to spend time, and Stark Parks has plenty of space to explore. If your usual route has increased in traffic, or you're simply ready to try out a new trail, switch up your route and discover new areas and…
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 Officials (NACPRO) award in the Park and Rec Facility – Class I category. The annual NACPRO awards honor excellence in…
