Stark Parks announces full slate of June programs and events

Stark Parks will offer a variety of upcoming programs and activities throughout June. Visit StarkParks.com for class information and registration details for all events and programs.

The Stark Parks Summer Photo Contest starts June 1 and ends Sept. 11. The contest is open to any amateur or hobby photographer who captures photos from a Stark Parks trail or park. Visit StarkParks.com/summerphoto for more information, including categories and rules. The 2025 People’s Choice Award was “Rainbow Over Sippo” by Lindy Anastis.

A Tree ID Hike will be held June 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Quail Hollow Park. Participants will hike the trails and learn how to identify common Ohio trees by studying leaves, bark and seeds. Registration is required, but the program is free.

Ranger Walks will take place June 3 from 5-6 p.m. at Quail Hollow Park. Law enforcement park rangers will provide a behind-the-scenes look into their careers and daily duties during a one-mile hike. All ages are welcome.

Nature Night Open House is scheduled for June 5 from 8:30-10:30 p.m. at Fry Family Park. The self-guided nighttime hike and nature activities will celebrate National Trails Day and include stops highlighting nocturnal wildlife, along with a campfire and s’mores.

A Bird Walk with a member of the Canton Audubon Society will be held June 6 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park. The program is free and open to all ages.

The Pep Tamargo Memorial Fishing Derby will take place June 6 at Sippo Lake Marina. In-person registration begins at 7 a.m., with fishing from 8-11 a.m. The event is geared toward children ages 4-15 and will include free bait, instruction, prizes and giveaways.

A National Trails Day Hike will also be held June 6 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Sippo Lake Marina. Participants will enjoy a 2- to 3-mile hike at Sippo Lake Park. Registration is required.

Adventure Kids Field Day is set for June 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sippo Lake Park’s Exploration Gateway. Children ages 3-9 can participate in nature activities, animal encounters, crafts and games. Adults must remain with children.

Earth Day Everyday – Invasive Teasel Removal will take place June 10 from 6-8 p.m. at Petros Lake Park. Volunteers will learn about invasive teasel plants and help remove seed heads as part of a restoration project. Participants should wear tall socks or pants for off-trail walking.

Backyard Habitat – Composting will be offered June 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. A representative from Rubber City Reuse will discuss composting and sustainable waste-diversion practices.

Summer Splash will be held June 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walborn Reservoir. The free family event will feature kayaking, pedal boats, pontoon rides, live music and additional water-themed activities. Concessions will be available for purchase.

The Canton Symphony Orchestra will again partner with Stark Parks for the 12th annual Summer Serenades in the Park Concert Series. Performances will take place June 17 at Deer Creek Reservoir in Alliance and June 24 at the Hall of Fame Village Amphitheater in Canton, both from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Stand Up Paddleboard and Intro to Kayaking classes will be offered June 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Deer Creek Reservoir. Participants will learn paddling basics, safety practices and trip planning. Registration is required, and fees are $15 for in-county residents and $20 for out-of-county residents.

Cook’s Lagoon Annual Senior Fishing Rodeo will be held June 19 from 8 a.m. to noon at Cook’s Lagoon in Canton. The free event for seniors 65 and older will provide fishing poles, bait and refreshments while supplies last.

Cook’s Lagoon Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo will follow June 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at the same location. The free event is open to children of all ages, with on-site registration available before the event.

Beekeeping 101 for children ages 8-12 will be held June 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Quail Hollow Park. Participants will learn about bees, hives and beekeeping tools and will safely observe a live hive. Registration is required, with fees of $5 for in-county residents and $7 for out-of-county residents.

The Ranger Bass Tournament is scheduled for June 27 at Walborn Reservoir. Registration begins at 6 a.m., fishing starts at 7 a.m., and weigh-in begins at 3 p.m. The cost is $60 per boat.

Traditional Music Nights featuring traditional, bluegrass and Celtic tunes will be held June 4 and 18 at Quail Hollow Park’s Manor House. Admission is $3, and no registration is required.

Stewart Manor House tours will be offered June 11 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and June 14 from 2-3 p.m. at Quail Hollow Park. Tours include stories about the Stewart family and the historic home’s hidden features. Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family.

Ernie’s Bicycle Shop will host the Olde Canal Days Night Bike Ride on Towpath on June 27 from 9-11 p.m., starting at the Lake Avenue Trailhead. The beginner-friendly ride will cover 14-18 miles of flat terrain. Helmets and bike lights are required.

Yoga sessions led by certified instructor Kim Kohler will be offered throughout June at Sippo Lake Park’s Exploration Gateway. Namaste for a Drink events for participants 21 and older will take place June 8 and 18 at Tam O’Shanter Park. Fees are $8 for in-county residents and $12 for out-of-county residents.

Stark Parks manages 15 parks, four lakes and more than 120 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails totaling more than 6,800 acres of land.