Stark County Parks News: Stark Parks will offer a variety of upcoming spring programs and activities

 Stark Parks will offer a variety of upcoming spring programs and activities.  

Visit StarkParks.com for class information and registration for all events and programs.

Sippo Lake and Walborn Marinas will open May 4th for weekends only until Memorial Day weekend. After Memorial Day weekend, marinas will be open 7 days a week until Labor Day weekend.  Services provided include watercraft rentals, live bait, snacks, and beverages.  Pontoon Boat rides will be offered this summer at Sippo Lake Marina starting in June. Pontoon boat reservations are required in advance for groups, but marina rentals are first come first served.  Visit https://starkparks.com/boat-rentals/ for more information on rentals and open pontoon boat rides.

Science and Nature

Navigating the Night Sky – May 10th

Learn about stars, planets, constellations, nebulae, and galaxies with The Wilderness Center Astronomy Club as they navigate the night sky around us.  Practice using telescopes, learn how to navigate the stars, and where to look during different seasons! Feel free to bring your own equipment (telescopes, binoculars, cameras, etc.). Registration is required and the program will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or calls for inclement weather. Program is from 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM at the Hoover Trail: East Maple St. Trailhead.

 STEAM Teens: Micro Macros – May 14th

Join us monthly for our STEAM Teens program, connecting teens to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, using hands-on learning! This month we will be gathering water samples from Sippo Lake, and taking a look at the tiny organisms that call our water home. Pizza will be provided! Pre-registration is required due to limited materials.  Program is 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park.  Fee is $5 for in-county and $7 for out-of-county residents.

 Adventure Kids – May 25th

National Snail Day is near! If you're giddy for gastropods then gather with us to learn about these small, slimy creatures. Come for a snail-themed book, craft and game. Please be prepared to go outside.  Ages 6 – 9: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park.

 Activities

Orienteering: Cross Country – May 5th

Challenge your land navigation skills with the Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club. Courses for all skill levels are offered. Bring a whistle and a compass. Map fee: $10.00 for NEOOC members or $15.00 for non-members. Pay by cash/check at event. Registration at 10:30 AM at the Fry Family Park Shelter and event begins at 11:00 AM. This is a rain or shine activity. For more information visit NEOOC.com or contact Howard@NEOOC.com.

Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby – May 11th

The Richard Fry Memorial Catfish Derby, for children ages 4 - 15, will take place at Petros Lake Park. Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Sponsored by Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, Berkley Fishing Team, and Stark Parks. Registration begins at 7:30 am with fishing from 8 am to 11 am. No pre-registration is required. Visit StarkParks.com/derbies for more information.

Quail Hollow Manor House Tours – May 12th & May 26th

Enjoy a guided tour of the 100-year-old, 1920s-era, H.B. Stewart Manor House. Tours begin promptly at 2:00 PM and last approximately one hour. The building does not have an elevator so be prepared to climb stairs
Walk-ins only. No pre-registration is required. The fee is $5 cash at the door for ages 5 and up with a maximum of $20 per family.

Night Bike Rides on the Towpath – May 24th

Join Ernie’s Bicycle Shop for a free monthly guided night ride.  This is a 14- to 18-mile beginner-friendly ride over flat terrain, with a team member at the front and rear of the group starting at the Lake Avenue Trailhead. Riders must have a helmet and bikes must be equipped with head and tail lights.  Participation is free for the family-friendly event.  No preregistration is necessary unless renting a bike and equipment.

To register go to erniesbikeshop.com/events or call 800-291-0099.

 
Night Canoeing on the Tuscarawas River – May 25th

Join the Trailhead Canoe Livery and enjoy the Tuscarawas River by the light of the moon for a monthly night canoe event! Paddle 3 miles downriver as twilight sets in, then enjoy hot dogs and s’mores around a riverside campfire. Reservations are required and must be made at least a day in advance. Call 800-226-6349 today to register (reservations not available on the Stark Parks website) – this popular event regularly sells out. Boats will launch between 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm starting at the Lake Avenue Trailhead. Fee: $25 per person.

 Yoga

The hour-long yoga sessions will leave you feeling relaxed and strong. Certified yoga instructor Kim Kohler will help you challenge yourself while working at your own level in a safe and supportive environment. Modifications are offered to appeal to all skill levels. Pre-registration is required, and you will need to bring your own mat.  Fees are $8 for in-county and $12 for out-of-county residents.  Dates include: May 4th, May 6th, May 8th, May 11th, May 13th, May 18th, and May 20th.