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COVID-19 Updates

Posted on August 11, 2020 within Events, News, Safety

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!

Posted on March 2, 2020 within Events

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

Posted on July 20, 2020 within News, Parks

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!

Posted on May 13, 2020 within Parks, Safety

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

Posted on August 14, 2020 within News, Trails

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

Posted on January 2, 2019 within News

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…

Scout Project Proposals at Stark Parks

Posted on February 5, 2018 within News

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…

Walborn Reservoir Eagle Nest Report

Posted on August 13, 2020 within News, Parks, Volunteers

In 1979 there were only four eagle pairs in Ohio. The state is now home to over 200 nests and with around 300 known eaglets hatching each year. Eaglets at Walborn Reservoir have never been banded by ODNR for safety reasons: the nesting tree has been struck by lightning several times…
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.
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!
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.
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.

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.