Regulations and Ordinances
The Public Safety Dept. or Rangers exist to help you, so don’t be shy about saying hello or reporting any concerns. Users should follow all rules and regulations.
Reach an on-duty Ranger at 330.353.2377
Use (CRTL + F) as the shortcut to search for keywords.
Frequently Asked Questions
All pets must be leashed while on park property and owners must dispose of pet waste properly
Camping is generally not permitted in Stark Parks. A primitive campsite is located at the Bridgeport Quarry Trailhead for individuals or small groups hiking or biking the Towpath Trail. Car camping is not permitted. Organized camping by civic groups or other recognized organizations may be allowed with approval in advance.
Fires are not permitted except in park grills or personally owned grills and only for cooking purposes.
Alcohol is not permitted on general park property.
Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are permitted on Stark Parks trails in accordance with Ohio Revised Code. The speed limit on all Stark Park trails is 15 mph.
All-terrain vehicles are not permitted in any area.
All state fishing regulations apply. If you are 16 years of age or older, you are required to have a license. Seniors also need to have a license, but may have a fee waived. Contact ODNR for these details.
Hunting is permitted only in designated areas within the park district and all state hunting regulations apply.
The speed limit on most park roadways, parking lots, and trails is 15 mph. Please obey all posted speed limits.
Swimming is not permitted in any body of water within the park district.
Freedom of speech, press, religion and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources.
Special events that fall under First Amendment rules include:
- Distribution and/or sale of printed matter
- Religious services
- Public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.
- Collecting signatures for petitions
First Amendment activities with over 25 participants require the approval of a Special Event Request. The park may regulate the time, place and manner in which these activities are conducted.
All printed material that will be distributed must be attached to the initial application for review. Free speech sites have been designated at specific Stark County Park District locations.
littering; feeding wildlife; removing flowers, shrubs and other property; introducing wildlife or materials including cremated remains or ashes; metal detecting, disorderly conduct; public indecency and nudity; fireworks; and posting and distributing signs or advertisements
Drones are not permitted to take off or land within the park district but they are able to overfly the park district as long as they do not touch the ground. The operator also needs to be aware of the rules regarding flight beyond visual reference in the rules regarding flying over people.
Recent Posts
2024 Volunteer Recognition Award Recipients holding awards. (Left to Right) Barbra Lewis, Pam Severa, Shandy Myers, Stark Parks Volunteer Coordinator Parker Spencer, Stark County Beekeeper's Association-Carol Kralik and Bob Mann,… More
A new Stark Parks logo is being debuted to better reflect the park mission and create more consistency throughout the organization. The last true redesign occurred over 25 years ago when… More
Hike your way through the changing colors of Stark Parks as you check off your 2024 Stark Exploring passport. The annual Stark Exploring challenge runs from September 1st to December… More
Beginning in March 2023, Stark Parks crews will begin preparing areas at Tam O'Shanter Park for parking lot and driveway updates including removing and relocating trees and vegetation. Construction will… More
We hope you enjoy the observations of eagle watching volunteers and invite you to stop by the nest site located on the west side of Walborn Reservoir at 13600 Marlboro… More
Cache a Glimpse Challenge will be in place through Dec. 31, 2024. Geocaching is a great way to explore Stark Parks year-round! Find the hidden caches at different park locations… More
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… More
