Guidelines for a Safe Visit to Stark Parks
With the arrival of warmer weather and longer days, Stark Parks is encouraging families and individuals to enjoy the outdoors safely with the release of its 2025 Summer Park Safety Guidelines.
As local parks begin to see an increase in visitors, officials are reminding the public to prioritize health and safety while taking advantage of public green spaces.
“We want everyone to have a fun, active, and safe summer,” said Justin Laps, Chief Ranger of Stark Parks. “Whether hiking, biking, or just enjoying the park setting, a few simple precautions can make all the difference.”
Key safety tips include:
- Leave Valuables at Home: Always lock your vehicle and avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.
- Follow Trail Rules: Stay on marked trails and yield to horses when necessary.
- Maintain a Safe Speed on Trails: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted with a 15-mph speed limit. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited on Stark Parks trails or park grounds.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when temperatures peak.
- Leash Your Dogs: Pets must be leashed and under control at all times. Please clean up after them.
- Pack out Trash: Take trash with you or discard it in appropriate receptacles.
- Respect Wildlife: Do not feed or approach wild animals. Observe from a safe distance.
- Be Water Safe: Wear life vests and use appropriate gear when participating in water-based activities.
- Report Hazards: Alert park rangers to dangerous conditions or suspicious activity.
Last year, Stark Parks received funding from the Massillon Rotary Foundation through the support of the Friends of Stark Parks to acquire a speed trailer to monitor trail speeds. It provides data to track problem areas and where additional patrols are needed. This summer, visitors can sign up to join rangers on walks at various park locations. These monthly, one-mile Ranger Walk programs will be guided walks exploring different parks to learn how rangers protect wildlife and visitors.
Guests may notice yellow signs at various parks and trail locations reminding them to say something if they see something. All visitors are encouraged to save the ranger phone number —330-353-2377—on their phones to report any safety or security concerns in real-time.
“Our parks are a shared resource. Let us all do our part to keep them clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone,” said Laps.
