News & Updates
Issue #23 Stark Parks Levy Information
In the November 2019 election, Stark Parks will appear as Issue #23 on the ballot seeking a 1.2 mill, 8-year property tax levy (1 mill replacement and 0.2 mill additional). With this funding, Stark Parks will continue to make connections that will create destination experiences for users, add more programs for…
parkrun, Free 5k Held Saturdays at Sippo Lake Park!
Friends of Stark Parks is proud to bring parkrun USA to Sippo Lake Park in 2019! parkrun is a completely free, weekly (held every Saturday morning), timed 5k staged at parks around the world, led by volunteers. These 5k events are open to everyone – including walkers. Participants only need…
Partnerships Pave the Way for Iron Horse Trail Extensions
Stark Parks, in partnership with the City of Alliance and the University of Mount Union, will be starting work to connect the Iron Horse Trail to the Mahoning Valley Trail. The connection will be made through the university campus and downtown Alliance, and will link the two trails at Earley’s…
Stark Exploring Trail Challenge is Back!
Hike Your Way to a Free Hiking Stick and Shield The leaves are turning, the air is brisk, and fall is popping up all around. This season, Stark Exploring is back and better! Take the challenge and experience autumn with Stark Parks. From September 1 to November 30, hike at least…
Be Safe and Courteous on the Trails
Warmer weather brings more people around the parks and enjoying hiking and biking trails across Stark County. Stark Parks is the Place to Be this year and the Public Safety Department has compiled this list of etiquette and safety reminders: Be Courteous: Move to the right when stopping on a…
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…
Exceptional Volunteers Honored
Stark Parks Volunteers and their accomplishments were celebrated at a honeybee-themed Recognition Dinner on Thursday, November 15 at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. The theme paid tribute to the hard work, variety of roles, and the common goals that are represented in the volunteer program. Volunteers from…
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…
Trash to Treasure Challenge
The 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, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore Canton for our second annual upcycle art contest in celebration of America Recycles Day! We’re looking…
Walborn Reservoir Eagle Nest Report
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. The eaglets at Walborn Reservoir have never been banded by ODNR for safety reasons: the nesting tree has been struck by lightning several…
