Show ParkFinder

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

May 24

300 Hours Outside Challenge

Tired of sitting behind a computer screen or listening to the kids yell at Fortnite? Take it outside! Stark Parks is challenging you to a 300 Hours Outside Challenge. It… More

Jul 26

Stark Exploring Trail Challenge

Soon enough, the leaves will be turning, the air will be brisk, and fall will be popping up all around. Take the Stark Exploring Challenge and experience autumn with Stark… More

Jun 30

Ohio Bio Exhibit Now Open

A new natural history timeline exhibit called Ohio Bio is now open to visitors. Located inside the Canalway Center at the Exploration Gateway, the exhibit shows some of the significant… More

Jun 21

Summer Serenades Returns for 2021 Season

The popular seven concert series that combines the spontaneous sounds of nature and people enjoying a park with the orchestrated sounds of musicians runs through July and August this summer. … More

Apr 25

Towpath Trail Construction Work in Massillon

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began an ongoing levee project near the Tuscarawas River in August 2020. This is a long term project that will affect this section of… More

Mar 19

Ranger Bass Fishing Series

Spend the day on the water at Stark Parks Ranger Bass Tournaments! All tournaments are $60 per boat (cash only) with proceeds benefitting the Stark Parks Ranger Cadet Program.… More

Mar 18

Walborn Reservoir Eagle Nest Report

In 1979 there were only four eagle pairs in Ohio. The state is now home to around 200 nests with about 300 known eaglets hatching each year. 2018 and 2019… 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

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

The Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park is now accepting indoor meetings, banquets, and rental events. The Lily Pad Gift Shop and Canalway Center debuting an Ohio Bio exhibit are open regular hours of Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone orders and curbside pick up will continue to be offered.

The Manor House at Quail Hollow Park is accepting new rental reservations.

COVID-19 UPDATES

The Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park has resumed reservations for indoor meetings, banquets, and rental events. The Lily Pad Gift Shop and Canalway Center debuting an Ohio Bio exhibit are open regular hours of Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone orders and curbside pick up will continue to be offered. The Manor House at Quail Hollow Park is now accepting new rental reservations.

Injured and orphaned wildlife will continue to be accepted on a case by case basis at the Wildlife Conservation Center due to animal capacity limits. Please call 330-477-0448 for details on how to bring your animal in. Please do not take animals to the center without calling first.

The interior atrium is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with several new exhibits including an aquatic turtle tank with spotted turtles, a small mammal enclosure, aviary exhibit, and a climbing tree snake display. The outdoor enclosures will continue to be open until 6 p.m. for self-guided tours. Applications and interviews for new volunteers interested in assisting with wildlife care and cleaning will be accepted beginning in November 2021.

Marinas at Sippo Lake Park and Walborn Reservoir continue to be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with food and bait sales and equipment rentals.

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.