Volunteer Opportunities
Searching for an ongoing volunteer project or single day of service? We are always looking for like-minded lovers of the parks and what they offer the community. Stark Parks has options for community and civic organizations, school groups, scouts, individuals, and church groups.
View our current Volunteer Spotlight features and find out how and why these volunteers enjoy giving back through Stark Parks.
Long-term Volunteer Opportunities
Stark Parks also utilizes long-term volunteers who are dedicated individuals looking to support us on a regular basis. We view our long-term volunteers as an extension of our staff and rely on them in many areas of park operation. Our volunteers maintain our trail systems, rehabilitate wildlife, and help protect important natural, historic, and cultural resources.
If you are ready to join the Stark Parks volunteer team please create an account and submit a Volunteer Application using the Apply Now button below. After that, we'll be in touch with a short phone interview to talk about your interests and the volunteer program. Then, a background check is completed and you attend the next volunteer orientation class.
Community Ambassadors
Support the parks and staff by being welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful whenever and wherever possible.
FeLeap the Frog Ambassador/Mascot
Volunteer to portray FeLeap the Frog, the (non-speaking) ambassador mascot of Stark Parks or serve as FeLeap’s assistant during Stark Parks’ events and at community requested appearances. FeLeap makes appearances all year including days, evenings, and weekends.
Event Assistance
Volunteers assist with the setup, tear down, and/or running of various types of Stark Park programs or events and to provide park visitors the opportunity to connect and appreciate the wonders found in Stark County.
Natural Resources
Participate in various monitoring projects, such as Bluebird and bumblebee monitoring, removing invasive species, and collecting/cleaning native seeds.
Trailblazers
Act as goodwill ambassadors and positive role models for park users while on foot, bicycle, horse, or kayak. Trailblazers are also the eyes and ears of Stark Parks at various functions.
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.
Short-Term Volunteers
Stark Parks has short term projects throughout the year that are perfect for groups, families, and individuals who would still like to volunteer but have limited time. Fill out the form below and the Volunteer Coordinator will follow up to match you with a project.
Adopt a Trail Groups
The Stark County Park District’s Adopt A Trail program is a volunteer program providing opportunities for community and civic organizations, school groups, scouts, and church groups to maintain trails and trailheads on a more regular basis. Volunteers can assist in the removal of small debris along the trail including sticks, rocks, limbs, and litter and report any safety problems or hazards. They also maintain flowerbeds and native garden areas at trailheads, parking areas, and facilities.
Corporate and Service Groups
Bring your group out for the day to learn about the parks and engage in team-building exercises to help us complete a project. The Volunteer Coordinator will match you with a project based on the group size, availability, and skill level.
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.
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 and do our best to explore if the proposed project meets our needs and let the scout know the decision in a timely manner.
Existing volunteers can use Volunteer Hub to sign up for opportunities, track hours, or update contact information.
