Stark Parks announces May programs, marina opening

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

The Stark Parks marinas at Sippo Lake Park and Walborn Reservoir open May 9 for the 2026 season. Marinas will be open weekends from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Memorial Day weekend. Starting Memorial Day, the marinas will be open seven days a week until Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Weekend hours will be available in September.

Marina amenities include bait for fishing, watercraft rentals including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, pedal boats and motorized fishing boats (Walborn only). Reservations are not required for rentals. They are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Snacks and beverages are also available for sale.

Join a member of the Canton Audubon Society on a guided bird walk May 2 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Pike Ridge Park in search of grassland birds and others found at the park. The program is free and no registration is required. Meet in the parking lot.

Stark Parks has joined the annual garlic mustard pulling contest against the city of Green, Put-in-Bay, Portage Park District and others. Join the effort at the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park May 2 from 9-11 a.m. Garlic mustard is an invasive weed that poses a threat to native plants and wildlife and can be pulled by hand.

Join volunteer naturalist Adam Zorn from the Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center for spring bird walks May 4 and 11 from 8:30-10 a.m. Meet at the Nickel Plate Trailhead at 2923 Pinevale Ave. NE, Louisville. Pre-registration is required by calling 330-823-7487 or emailing naturecenter@mountunion.edu.

Join law enforcement park rangers May 6 from 5-6 p.m. at Sippo Lake Park for a one-mile hike starting at the Exploration Gateway lower parking lot. Participants will learn about ranger duties, park history and natural resources. All ages are welcome.

Traditional Music Nights will be held inside the Manor House at Quail Hollow Park on the first and third Thursdays of each month from May through October. Admission is $3. No registration is required.

Orienteering: Classic Cross Country will take place May 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Quail Hollow Park. Participants can navigate one of five courses individually or in small groups. Equipment and basic instruction will be available. Map fees are $15 for preregistration and $20 for walk-ups.

Reptile Ramble will be held May 9 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park. Participants will learn about reptiles native to Ohio and take a short walk to look for them in the park.

Stewart Manor House tours will be offered May 10 from 2-3 p.m. and May 14 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Quail Hollow Park. Tours include stories of the Stewart family and access to all three floors. Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family. Children 3 and younger are free.

Kids ages 3-15 are invited to the Cops and Bobbers Fishing Derby May 11 at Petros Lake Park. Registration begins at 4 p.m., with fishing from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fishing poles will be available while supplies last, and bait will be provided.

Spring Shrooms, a beginner fungi identification hike, will take place May 13 from 6-7 p.m. at Quail Hollow Park. Participants will search for common forest fungi but will not collect specimens.

Navigating the Night Sky and Sunset Hike will be held May 15 at Quail Hollow Park. A sunset hike begins at 8:30 p.m., followed by stargazing at 9:30 p.m. with The Wilderness Center’s Astronomy Club.

The Canton Audubon Society will host a program titled “Wild Bees in Your Ohio Backyard” May 20 at 7 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. A guided bird walk will begin at 5:30 p.m.

A spring migration bird hike will be held May 22 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Pike Ridge Park. Participants may see species such as indigo buntings, common yellowthroats and orchard orioles.

Night bike rides on the Towpath will take place May 23 from 8:45-10:45 p.m., starting at the Lake Avenue trailhead. The ride will cover 14-18 miles on flat terrain. Helmets and lights are required.

The Summer Hiking Challenge begins May 25. Participants can track trail visits using a digital passport by scanning QR codes at trailheads.

Adventure Kids: Under the Pond will be held May 30 at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park. Programs for ages 3-5 will run from 11 a.m. to noon, and for ages 6-9 from 1-2 p.m.

Yoga sessions will be offered throughout May at Sippo Lake Park’s Exploration Gateway. “Namaste for a Drink” will be held May 11 at Tam O’Shanter Park from 6:30-8 p.m. Participants must be 21 or older for that session. Fees are $8 for in-county residents and $12 for out-of-county residents.