Stark Parks Wants YOU as a Volunteer

Whether you're interested in hiking, bicycling, gardening, fishing, helping at special events, working with school children or the elderly, clearing and maintaining trails, conducting historical research, or supporting our wildlife rehabilitation program, fun awaits you as a Stark Parks volunteer.

Flexibility is a key component of our volunteer program, with short-term and long-term opportunities available during weekdays and weekends.

If you live near one of our parks, we will find a project to keep you close to home, or experience other parks and facilities throughout Stark County.

ADMINISTRATION:
Enjoy working behind the scenes?
Support Stark Parks with data entry, clerical duties, office filing, and computer work utilizing MS Office on an as needed basis or special project.

EDUCATION PROGRAM ASSISTANT/DOCENT:
Believe you can learn something and have fun in the process?
Help our naturalists and staff with signing in guests and program presentations for children and adults.  Docents are trained volunteers that conduct guided tours and programs through the Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center and around the Magnolia Flouring Mills.

ENTERPRISE:
Have a desire to work with the public in retail sales or guide lake tours?
Join other volunteers providing customer service in the concession trailer, the Lily Pad Gift Shop, or at the marinas.  Obtain specialized training and captain the pontoon boat!  Pontoon boat captains must be 21 years or age.

FELEAP/FELEAP ASSISTANT:
Love being in the center of all activities?
Meet and greet park patrons while portraying the park's official mascot "FeLeap." Volunteers will portray FeLeap during park district events, parades or events sponsored by other organizations where appearance of FeLeap is requested. FeLeap does not talk, but shares hugs, high-fives, and handshakes with the young and old while distributing park information.  The FeLeap Assistant accompanies FeLeap at events.

NATURAL RESOURCES/OPERATIONS:
Like being outside and helping the environment?
Assist park staff with litter control efforts, landscaping, and invasive species control.  Join the TEAM (Trails Emergencies: Assistance Maintenance) and help clear and maintain trails after floods, storms, high winds, and other urgent trail emergencies.

TRAIL PATROL:
Want to keep the park and trails a safe place for visitors?
Become a ‘Trailblazer' and combine your love of the outdoors through walking/hiking, biking, or horseback riding.  Stark Parks provides training in park history, First Aid, and customer service. Applications for Trailblazers are accepted throughout the year with an annual spring training. Trailblazers must be at least 18 years old.

SPECIAL EVENTS OR MARKETING:
Love talking to people about the park?
Provide information to visitors at public events, assist with crafts/games/activities at special events (e.g. Family Fall Fest, Summer Splash); assist staff with conducting visitor surveys or fundraising.

WILDLIFE REHABILITATION/PROGRAM ANIMAL ASSISTANT:
Wish you could help wildlife?
Provide supportive care for wildlife and program animals.

OTHER:
Do you have a great idea or project in mind?
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator with your ideas and discuss the possibilities!

Click to access the TrailBlazer Trail Session Log

To become a volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Application and return to the attention of the Volunteer Coordinator at the
Stark County Park District, 5712 12th St NW, Canton, Ohio 44708. Fax 330.409.8990. For information or for questions call 330.409.8993.