Stark Parks announces winter programs and activities

Stark Parks will offer a variety of upcoming programs and activities. Visit starkparks.com for class information and registration. Sign up for winter activity alerts at starkparks.com/winter. The ski shop at Quail Hollow Park will open in January, weather permitting, with enough snow. Rentals are first come, first served, with no registration required.

Ranger Walks 

Join law enforcement rangers for a one-mile guided walk at Sippo Lake Park at the Wildlife Conservation Center on Jan. 7 from 5-6 p.m. Rangers will share how they protect wildlife and visitors and the importance of conservation. The program is free, but registration is required at starkparks.com.

Backyard Habitat: Winter Sowing 

Join Wild Ones of Greater Cleveland on Jan. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. for a workshop on winter sowing at Sippo Lake Park at the Exploration Gateway. Winter sowing is an outdoor seed-starting technique using miniature greenhouses and Mother Nature. All supplies will be provided for participants to create a mini greenhouse of native plants to take home. This program is part of the Backyard Habitat Series. More information is available at starkparks.com/backyard. The program is free but registration is required.

Stark Exploring Shield Assistance Day 

Stop by the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park on Jan. 10 anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to turn in your hiking challenge passport with Stark Exploring, collect your 2026 hiking shield and have staff attach it to your hiking stick.

Adventure Kids 

Learn how animals survive in winter, whether all mammals hibernate, and what happens to wildlife when snow falls. Programs include a story, craft and a visit with an animal adapted to Ohio’s cold weather. All sessions are at Sippo Lake Park at the Exploration Gateway. Dates are Jan. 14 for ages 3-5 from 10-11 a.m., and Jan. 17 for ages 3-5 from 11 a.m.-noon and ages 6-9 from 1-2 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Beginner Bee School 

Join the Stark County Beekeepers Association and Stark Parks on Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway for a day of learning the basics of beekeeping. Topics include bee biology, needed equipment, hive setup and tracking progress. The course fee includes support materials and a beginning beekeeping book. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Local beekeepers and vendors will be available to answer questions. Register at starkbeekeepers.org.

Youth Archery 

A beginner archery program for ages 10-17 will be held Jan. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Sippo Lake Park at the Exploration Gateway. The class focuses on safety, proper shooting form and recreational target shooting. All equipment is provided. Closed-toe shoes are required. Pre-registration is required. The fee is $10 for in-county residents and $15 for out-of-county residents.

Yoga 

Hour-long yoga sessions with certified instructor Kim Kohler will be held at Sippo Lake Park: Exploration Gateway. Classes are designed to help participants work safely at their own level, with modifications for all skill levels. Pre-registration is required, and participants must bring a mat. Dates include Jan. 5, 10, 17, 24, 26 and 31. Namaste for a Drink will be held Jan. 12 at Tam O’Shanter Park from 6:30-8 p.m. and is limited to ages 21 and older. 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. For more information, visit starkparks.com.