Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for like-minded lovers of the parks and what they offer their community. If you, your family, or group is looking to volunteer some of your time to help others enjoy our beautiful parks, we invite you to consider short-term volunteering options. Whether you’re interested in gardening, helping at special events, or trail clean-ups, fun awaits you as a Stark Parks volunteer. Short-term volunteers
- Volunteer on an as-needed basis
- Sign a short-term waiver form
- Receive volunteer opportunities via email on an as-needed basis
If you are interested in the volunteer program, please call 330-409-8993 for more information or submit an application.
View our current Volunteer Spotlight features and find out how and why these volunteers enjoy giving back through Stark Parks.
Searching for an ongoing volunteer project or single day of service? Stark Parks has options for community and civic organizations, school groups, scouts, and church groups. We will work to match your group interests and skills with your desired location. Contact should be made at least six weeks in advance of the project.
Adopt a Trail Groups
Volunteers can assist in the removal of small debris along the trail including sticks, rocks, limbs, pet waste, and litter and report any safety problems or hazards. They also maintain flowerbeds and native garden areas at respective trailheads, parking areas, and facilities.
Group Day of Service
Volunteer projects typically include, general clean-up, painting, staining, gardening/pruning, staffing special events, and trail work.
Long-term Volunteer Opportunities
Below is a list of volunteer openings within the organization:
- Volunteer at least 10 hours on an annual basis
- Go through the Volunteer onboarding process
- Complete a phone interview with the Volunteer Coordinator
- Sign a long-term waiver form and pass a background check
- Attend an orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator
- Please refer to the Volunteer Handbook for more information
Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteers
Volunteer applications can be submitted from Sept. through April or until the maximum number of volunteers is reached.
Preparing food at the Wildlife Conservation Center
Volunteers are the backbone of the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park. They help complete household and minor husbandry tasks so staff are able to spend valuable time giving supportive care to wildlife patients. The patients rely on volunteer help throughout the year. Through observation and training, volunteers will learn cleaning and housekeeping protocols, species specific diet preparation, hygiene and safety protocols, and species identification and facts.
Caring for wildlife is hard work, but very rewarding. Expect to be in all types of weather and physical activity like walking, bending, lifting, and kneeling.
Scout Projects
Thank you for your interest in performing your Eagle Scout or Gold Award project with the Stark Parks. We encourage you to visit our parks to generate a project idea to propose. Successful proposals identify an area of need to enhance our mission to acquire, preserve, and develop natural areas for passive recreation, conservation, education, and nature appreciation. For example, scouts have constructed a wildlife boxes for the Wildlife Conservation Center, installed bike fix-it stations, and created on your own scavenger hunts to promote visitation.
Please note that not all projects are necessarily a match to park needs and alternative concepts may need to be developed and proposed. We receive more requests for projects than we can realistically place. We do our best to explore if the proposed project meets our needs and let the scout know the decision in a timely manner. The park is not obligated to keep, relocate, or maintain projects longer than deemed necessary by the park. The park determines the useful life of projects and will make the best effort to contact the proper organization when or if a project will be impacted by future plans.
