Stark Parks celebrated volunteer accomplishments in 2025 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park earlier this month. Through September, over 12,917 volunteer hours have been logged in 2025 by individuals and groups.  These difference makers were celebrated at the annual Volunteer Recognition dinner along with several special awards. 

Rising Star Award: Jennica Messmore of Massillon was recognized as an emerging volunteer for her two years of service at the Wildlife Conservation Center and willingness to help at park-sponsored events.  Nominations noted her willingness to help with any task and displaying deep pride as a Stark Parks volunteer. 

Outstanding Trailblazer Award: Valerie DeLong of Alliance was praised for her commitment to trail user experience and safety.  Described as a self-starter and patient by nominations, she assisted at kayaking programs and special events and routinely removes trash along trails and waterways. 

Community Science Award: This award recognizes outstanding volunteers that regularly collect scientific data for Stark Parks. Siffrin Academy individuals along with Melarie Weaver, Program Coordinator, have regularly observed birds using a combination of sight, sound, field guides, and technology for three years and were honored with the Community Science Award.  They have recorded more than 27 species and contributed to the local knowledge about wildlife diversity.  The group also helped with native seed cleaning programs. 

Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteer of the Year Award: Bill Woodard of Canton was recognized for his overall commitment to the success of the Wildlife Conservation Center.  Nominations cited his training of new volunteers and initiative to complete extra cleaning and organization of materials each week so things were ahead for the next shift. 

Community Partnership Award: This award recognizes a continued and dedicated partnership between Stark Parks and a local organization. The Home Depot in Massillon was highlighted because of their generous and timely assistance to rebuild a bridge at Sippo Lake Park. 

Home Depot team members spent approximately 70 hours removing portions of a fire-damaged bridge and surrounding area to prepare for the replacement of the decking. Their efforts helped connect the trail to the other side of the park and several neighborhoods that had been cut off for several months.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Chuck and Peggy Nunley of Jackson Twp. were honored for 17 years of volunteerism and leadership while promoting the park mission.  The reliable pair have been Trailblazers on local trails and portraying FeLeap the Frog and FeLeap’s Assistant with countless people for nearly two decades.  While bike rides and longer walks on the trail have become more of a challenge to the couple, they now set up stationary literature displays along the Towpath Trail getting to know trail users. Their goal remains the same either way, to make sure trail users have a safe and enjoyable experience at the parks.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Lindy Anastis of Perry Twp. was presented the Volunteer of the Year award for continuously showing commitment to the success of the Park District.  Nominations called out reliability, attention to detail, knowledge of the park locations and programs, and helping in just about any way for Stark Parks and a Friends of Stark Parks trustee.