News & Updates
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 measures. “We have kept the safety of our staff and patrons at the forefront of every decision we’ve made. We…
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 and conservation of local resources like greenspace and waterways. Our anniversary is this month, but we’re celebrating all year long…
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…
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 as close public facilities until further notice for the well-being of all, our parks and trails remain open to enjoy! While…
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 between the Lake Ave. Trailhead in Massillon and Finefrock Rd./Rt. 241 in Massillon will begin in August 2020. Weekend access…
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 EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 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 FeLeap signs hidden across Stark Parks. Along trails, near wildlife observation areas, and of course next to…
Gnomevember Events
Help needed! Stark Parks is home to friendly and mischievous gnomes and we need to find them and keep track of their activities. Locations have included in trees, on park benches, and along trails so far. Embark on a scavenger hunt to track down these magical beings at Fichtner Park,…
Pumpkin Carving for Critters
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Scout Project Proposals at Stark Parks
Thank you for your interest in performing your Eagle Scout or Gold Award project with the Stark Parks. We encourage you to visit our parks to generate a project idea to propose. Successful proposals identify an area of need to enhance our mission to acquire, preserve, and develop natural areas…
Stark Exploring Trail Challenge is Back!
Take Time to Take it In! 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…
