Park & Trail Alerts

Show ParkFinder

News & Updates

Celebrate Earth Day 2021

Posted on April 15, 2021 within Events, News, Parks

Celebrate Earth Day at Tam O'Shanter Park with an outdoor drop-in event. Your group can wander around our safe, socially-distanced stations after checking-in on the front porch of the Clubhouse.   Stations throughout the park will highlight challenges wildlife face and how we can help. The self-guided Earth Day "Who's…

Certified Backyard Habitat Programs

Posted on March 12, 2021 within Events, News

Nothing says spring like learning how to make your space a welcoming environment for local wildlife! With this new series, Stark Parks will teach all you need to know to qualify your backyard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. A certified backyard habitat contains the essential needs that wildlife need to…

COVID-19 Updates

Posted on March 19, 2021 within Events, News, Safety

Stark Parks continues to make adjustments to current services based on the recommendations of the Governor’s office and safety measures communicated by the Stark County Health Dept. “We have kept the safety of our staff and patrons at the forefront of every decision we’ve made.  We also understand our commitment…

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 December 14, 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…

Ranger Bass Fishing Series

Posted on March 30, 2021 within Events

You're invited to help support the Ranger Cadet program with the Stark Parks Ranger Bass Tournament! The fishing contest will take place on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Walborn Reservoir. The cost is $60 per boat with a 30 boat limit (individual or partnered) and all proceeds will benefit the…

Walborn Reservoir Eagle Nest Report

Posted on April 9, 2021 within News, Parks, Volunteers

In 1979 there were only four eagle pairs in Ohio. The state is now home to around 200 nests with about 300 known eaglets hatching each year.  2018 and 2019 population estimates have been considerably higher. Eaglets at Walborn Reservoir have never been banded by ODNR for safety reasons: the nesting…

Towpath Trail Construction Work in Massillon

Posted on February 18, 2021 within News, Trails

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began an ongoing levee project near the Tuscarawas River in August 2020. Please obey all construction and safety signs, and be cautious of unpredictable trail conditions. This is a long term project that will affect this section of the towpath through year 2022. As…

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…

Find Me FeLeap

Posted on October 26, 2020 within News, Parks, Trails

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…

Hidden Gems of Stark Parks

Posted on March 12, 2021 within News, Parks, Trails

Being outside has been and continues to be one of the safest places to enjoy and Stark Parks is full of hidden gems.  Switch up your route or discover new areas and experiences with lesser-known locations, we call hidden gems. These locations are typically less crowded and tucked away in…

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…
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. Social distancing is required. Restrooms are open.

Public buildings are closed.

Zoom virtual programs include yoga, wildife, and other topics. The schedule can be found under the Activities/Event Calendar.

Please call 330-477-0448 before bringing an injured animal to the Wildlife Conservation Center.

COVID-19 UPDATES

All parks and trails are open at this time. 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.

Virtual programs discussing wildlife, practicing yoga, and other topics will continue using the Zoom platform. The schedule can be found by clicking on Activities/Event Calendar.

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).

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.