Three Parks That Are Worth the Drive in Stark Co.
Fry Family Park
📍 2533 Farber St. SE, Magnolia, OH 44643
⭐Trails ⭐Views ⭐Wildlife ⭐ Room to Play ⭐ Fishing
Fry family is an obvious and seemingly underrated choice, a beautiful and direct drive down Rt. 800 until you don't have cell phone signal anymore because you pay for an unlimited cell service that only works in a city. So if you have the luxury of a car, don't break down, tell someone where you're going ok? Ok. Statistically, you're safer out here at the park than you are inside the city and what a break it is! The fresh air, huge rolling hills, wildflowers and open sky. You can get a half decent workout in with the steep paved road that carves its way in. If you can fly a drone here you'd have a lot of fun with the open space. (I don't know the rules)
There are trails but you definitely need to wear long pants and good walking boots. There is no reason to allow yourself to get bit by tick and get sick or develop an allergy to meat later in life (yes that is a thing)
There is a small opening to view the pond but there is not enough space to fish, this park really needs more open banks to allow multiple fishing spots. There is a way to make this happen without taking away natural beauty. (please I am sure of it) The spot that is open has a steep incline to the water so don't bring an accident prone kid - that or come prepared.
Natural raspberries were growing during one summer that I walked the trails with my family there. Of course we ate them. I always have doubt in my mind even though I know its a raspberry, just that little doubt of what if it isn't and we eat something bad. At the very least it was delicious, and no you probably shouldn't visit a local park and just start eating the berries.
This park is perfect for school age kids and adults who just need a break. We've all been to that stress point with the kids, "please just let them run in a field somewhere they're driving me crazy". This is that place for you. Load up, bring water, a ball, some bug spray and just have some outdoor time.
Learn More abou the park here: https://starkparks.com/parks/fry-family-park/
The Wilderness Center
There are 10 frogs in the lower pic...
📍 9877 Alabama Ave SW, Wilmot, OH 44689
⭐Trails ⭐Views ⭐Wildlife ⭐ Planetarium
I don't know if it is a mandala effect or I am just ignorant but I have absolutely said Wil-MONT not Wilmot my whole life and I have always called the place Wilmont Wilderness Center. Today I've learned I have been wrong about something my whole life. What I am not wrong about though, is how enjoyable this place is.
They have such a great kids outreach, and stuff inside the main building for kids to experience and learn about. The room where you can sit and watch the birds eat, occasionally a little chipmunk will show up and steal some seeds. This is great at any time of year, they even hooked up a mic and speaker so you can hear outside while enjoying the comfort of inside. I've taken my best wildlife photos here. So if you are a photographer, you need to come here in June, and stay for the whole day. The Wilderness center has all kinds of programs going on every month. They even have programs about space and a planetarium.
I know people in Canton can say things like "I don't even know where Wilmot is" "That's a waste of gas"
Ok look, we have modern technology, you need to get out of the city, and you can make the trip worth it if you bring friends along. Stop making excuses and get out there.
All the time I hear "oh we need to do that soon" Stop it. That isn't living. Say "We are going to the Wilderness Center this saturday and we're going to do it and feel great about it!" It beats falling asleep in the recliner in front of some show you've seen once before. I will even meet you half way on your thinking, go to the Wilderness Center on a Saturday late morning, and then go home and sit in your recliner and have a nap.
Do you know what is cheaper than a gym? Besides the mass commericalized gym you can't park at? Driving to the Wilderness Center, walking the trails and going home.
It is hard to go to Wilmot and not stop for the buffet at The Amish Door, I know I just talked about the gym up above but for first timers, I suggest you get lunch at The Amish Door if you've never been. You can eat healthy there, it is hard to do with all the temptations but it is possible with their meal options or just getting the salad bar.
Make good choices, check out the programs, it is an amazing place to take your kids to, please at least once a year go to the Wilderness Center your very soul needs it.
Here is the website: wildernesscenter.org/
Ohio Fishing Shirt Check it Out
Petros Lake Park
📍 3519 Perry Dr SW, Canton, OH 44706
⭐Trails ⭐Views ⭐Wildlife ⭐ Fishing
Petros is not what I would consider a drive. However, I've lived in Stark county for about seven years and the amount of people unwilling to go more then five to ten miles from their home is astounding. I had a client complain to me about having to go to a library I was directing them to that was three miles from where we currently were on this patch of dirt third rock from the sun. I looked at them like they were an alien. Now if you're using the bus system, then yes going anywhere out of your routine is going to drain six hours out of your life. I know, I timed it myself when I depended on the bus for awhile. Everything takes you a very long time. Thankfully the Stark Library system has multiple locations so it is a little inexcusable to get upset about being directed to one because its "inconvenient" no it really isn't. This occurrence made me appreicate that I didn't take Stark for granted.
Personally being from Harrison County, where they're arent many libraries, especially with the resources Stark Library has, I am nearly enraged at how many people take free resources for granted. It is a group effort to make something free and it is becoming thankless.
"Nothing in life is free"
Which is all the more reason you should be using this resource, someone in some way has paid for you to enjoy so do so.
Petros Park here we go. This is a large beautiful park with a dedication to mental health. Open fields, a baseball field and a spot below to fish. Long trails line the park. I had my kids birthday party at a pavilion above the water and it was a beautiful view. Unlike Fry Family Park you still have cell signal here because you are just south of Canton/Perry. My car broke down here and I was able to call a tow and get out. I love Petros. It is a gem just on the skirt of our city and way more people need to come here. If Sarta put a stop out there, it would be worth it for those that cannot easily drive there.
Stark, I beg you to take an afternoon on your day off and go to Petros. You will benefit from it.
