Park & Trail Alerts

Rain, thunderstorms, and flooding can be hard on trails. Visitors are encouraged to check for updates before their visit and to follow all posted trail and parking area closing signs. For safety reasons, trails are closed to all users while trail crews are using equipment to complete repairs and maintenance. The following list reflects the most up to date trail closings and construction projects as of April 17, 2025. Expect rough conditions after any flooding or storms.

Sippo Lake Park

Status Alert: Boardwalk Between North and East Entrance Closed

A fire has damaged the bridge between the Sippo Lake Marina and Exploration Gateway on the Sippo Lake Trail. Users will not be able to connect between the north and east side of the park at this time. The Exploration Gateway building will be closed on April 9 in an abundance of caution while all Stark County District Library branches are closed.

Deer Creek Reservoir

Status Alert: Access to Park from Rt. 225 Only

Due to a sink hole on Price St. west of the main park entrance and Rt. 183, all visitors should enter from the east from Rt. 225. Walk-in fishing access to the Price St. causeway is permitted. Please do not go near the Road Closed barriers. Several hunting seasons are now underway. Trails remain open during hunting. Please wear bright clothing while hiking and biking the Mahoning Valley Trail. Stark Parks issues permits to allow waterfowl hunting at designated areas around Deer Creek and Walborn Reservoirs during the fall and winter.

Fry Family Park

Status Alert: Woodland and Shelter Trail Closure

The Woodland Trail and Shelter Trail will be under construction from late April to July 30. Because of equipment and material stockpiles, the trail will be closed during this time. This extends between the Visitor's Center and the northern portion of the Shelter Loop connecting to the Woodland Trail to the bridge behind the Visitor's Center.

Molly Stark Park

Status Alert: Park Closed

Molly Stark Park is closed until further notice. No access is permitted.

Nickel Plate Trail

Status Alert: Construction Projects Along the Trail

Trail connections to the City of Louisville northern trailhead of the trail (Rt. 44) and Metzger Park are currently closed due to facility construction projects.

Petros Lake Park and Trails

Status Alert: Restroom Construction

Construction will begin for a new restroom at the Perry Dr. (small parking lot at main entrance) in late April and run through the late summer and fall. There may be trail rerouting for the Loop Trail as part of the permanent restroom installation.

Sippo Valley Trail

Status Alert: Trail Closure During week of April 21

Asphalt grinding and construction will close the trail between the bridge at Lincoln Park in Massillon to Bison Ave. beginning April 21, 2025. Weather may dictate how quickly the work is completed and the trail reopens. The bridge between 27th St./Bison Ave. and Deermont Ave. has been replaced and is now open and passable. More asphalt work to even out the approaches on both sides will be completed soon.

Tam O'Shanter Park

Status Alert: Construction and Improvements

Construction of the parking lot and driveways continues at Tam O’Shanter Park. Paving is scheduled for the last week of April 2025 and restroom improvements in the former clubhouse are anticipated to wrap up in May with project completion planned for June. Additional work is planned for park staff to begin trail work in June with the first goal being ADA access and a connection to the Jackson Township Schuring Park. A hard-surface loop trail is planned, but some turf trails will be reworked as well for better overall connection and user experience. For your safety, please continue to stay aware of any construction fencing delineating off-limits construction areas and stay well clear of any construction activity. Construction of the western road currently services the park shelter. Once parking lot and driveway construction is complete, this western road will only be used for special events and the main entrance, near the pond, will be open. There is no access to the fishing pond at this time.

Pike Ridge Park

Status Alert: Park is Now Open Daily for Horseback Riding and Hiking