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Teacher Resources

Stark Parks offers curriculum-based programming for schools (grades K-12) as well as exciting and informative sessions for organized groups including civic and service clubs, seniors, home-schoolers, and pre-schools. These programs focus on a variety of topics centered around nature and wildlife and are designed to be a memorable experience!

Requested programs for your group can be conducted at our park and trail locations or at your site. Request a program using the button below or call 330.409.8998.

Summer Program Requests (June-August): Will be taken beginning May 1 prior to the summer.

School Year Program Requests (Sept-May): Will be taken beginning July 1 prior to the school year.

Request a Program

Distance Learning

The two-way conversation, referred to as Distance Learning or Videoconferencing programs, can be presented from Stark County to anywhere in North America and around the world.

Presentations include interaction between the presenter and student though illustrations and screen share videos and photos from multiple devices and user locations. A test call before the program is required to troubleshoot any technical issues.

Distance-Learning-and-Stark-Parks

Student reading butterfly guide

Field Trips

Field trips can happen at just about any park or trail in Stark Parks. The most popular park is Sippo Lake Park because the park offers a variety of activities.

Meet at the Exploration Gateway and tour the Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center, go for a hike on the Sippo Lake Trails, or explore the Science Lab. Also on site is FeLeap's Lily Pad Gift Shop and the Perry-Sippo Branch of the Stark County District Library.

Activities can be led by Stark Parks or self-guided.

Traveling Trunks

Each portable trunk comes equipped with lesson plans and materials for hands-on learning!

Trunks are loaned to you for one week with a refundable deposit.

Classroom Learning

Recent Posts

Aug 11

COVID-19 Updates

Stark Parks has updated the next phase of the COVID-19 plan and continues to make adjustments to current services based on the recommendations of the Governor’s office and available safety… More

Jul 20

Mindfulness Walk Presented with NACPRO Award

Stark Parks is proud to announce that the Mindfulness Walk at Petros Lake Park has been selected as a recipient of a 2020 National Association of County Parks and Recreation… More

Mindfulness Walk

Jun 16

Towpath Trail Closed Weekdays in Massillon

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is beginning an ongoing levee project near the Tuscarawas River in August 2020 that will cause intermittent closures along the Towpath Trail. Weekday closures… More

Mar 13

On Your Own Adventures!

The safety of our park, trail, and program visitors has always been our top priority. While we have made the decision to suspend all public and volunteer programs as well… More

Feb 20

FeLeap Year Celebrates 53 Years of Stark Parks!

The year 2020 marks the 53rd year of Stark Parks serving the Stark County community. Over the last 53 years, we've offered parks and trails, wildlife education and rehabilitation, and the management… More

Feb 1

Celebrating 50 Years

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

Towpath Trail Closed in Areas

We expect water to recede over the weekend. As of 6/21/19, we cannot access trail damage or downed trees in many areas. These areas will be closed to trail users until a full inspection is complete. Please follow all trail closing barricades and signs.

View All Park and Trail Alerts

Hi There! We hope you are looking to Opt Outside today or any day. Take a break from buying presents and be present. Your body and mind thank you!

Start Exploring!

Feedback Requested!

We are now accepting public comment on the Phase 4 Iron Horse Trail proposal through January 29, 2019.

E-bike Pilot Program

Class 1 e-bikes are permitted to ride on multi-purpose trails (crushed limestone or asphalt). E-bikes are not permitted on natural surface, equestrian, or mountain bike trails. A class 1 e-bike is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Trail Closed

We expect water to recede over the weekend. As of 6/21/19, we cannot access trail damage or downed trees in many places. These areas will be closed to trail users until a full inspection is complete. Please follow all trail closing barricades and signs.

View All Park and Trail Alerts

Marinas Open for Season May 1

Registration Reminder!

1. Make sure you register and pay (if applicable) for the camp. 2. Print your waiver and bring it with you to camp. 3. Read over special instructions and welcome letter. 4. Call us at 330.477.3552 with any questions.

Serenades in the Park Concert Cancelled-Petros Lake Park

The concert has been cancelled as of 12 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2019 due to inclement weather in the forecast at the performance time. The exact same performance will be held tomorrow, Monday Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. on the steps of North Canton City Hall, 145 N. Main St., North Canton, 44720.

Deadline Approaching: Order Club Apparel by Feb. 9!

Use the Shop Apparel Button on the main page or the button below!

New Date and Time for March 2020 Board Meeting

New Meeting Date: Thursday March 5, at 6 p.m.

Location: Exploration Gateway-Sippo Lake Park North 5712 12th St. NW, Canton 44708

COVID-19 Updates

Parks and trails are open for people (and pets) to use and enjoy. Restrooms are open and Rangers continue regular patrols. Facility closures include: • Public Buildings • Playgrounds

All public ramps and fishing areas are open. Social distancing is required. Docks and smaller areas must abide by 6 feet distancing, at a minimum. Marinas at Sippo Lake and Walborn Reservoir are open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for pre-packaged snacks and drinks and night crawlers. Boat rentals are not being offered due to high-touch procedures.

Be courteous and safe. Stay home if you don’t feel well and continue to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

More Information

COVID-19 UPDATES

All parks and trails are open at this time. Playgrounds remain closed. Park Rangers continue patrols and can be reached at 330-353-2377. Stark Parks will continue to follow guidance provided by all federal, state and local health authorities.

Limited in-person, outdoors programs are planned for the fall. Virtual programs will continue using the Zoom platform. Public board meetings are again being held in person, following CDC guidelines. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at the lower level of the Exploration Gateway to accommodate physical distance requirements.

All public buildings and facilities are closed including Administration Offices, Exploration Gateway (access to Perry-Sippo Library only), Quail Hollow Park (Manor House and Nature Center). Outdoor rentals are available, under new capacity limits and guidelines, and can been reserved on a first-come, first served basis

Injured and orphaned wildlife are accepted on a limited basis at the Wildlife Conservation Center. Please call 330-477-0448 for details on how to bring your animal in. Do not take animals to the center without calling first. Masks are required while in the wildlife viewing area outside the Center for the protection of the staff and wildlife.

For general information, please call (330) 477-3552. Continue to check this page for the most up-to-date information, or follow us at Facebook.com/starkparks.

Eagle Observation Open with Restrictions

No group viewing at this time, but you are permitted to view with your OWN equipment.

A maximum of 2 people on the deck at any time.