Park & Trail Alerts

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.

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.

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.

Status Alert: Park Closed

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

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.

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.

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.

Status Alert: Training on May 5, 2025

An aerial search and rescue training exercise with various law enforcement departments will take place on May 5 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. This is only a practice scenario.

Status Alert: 2025 Construction and Improvements-Park Closed for One Week Beginning April 28

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. During parking lot and driveway paving, the entire park will be closed for about a week beginning April 28, 2025. 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.

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