Stark Parks Recruiting Volunteers

We may be shivering from the cold and snow, but Stark Parks is planning for warmer weather,  recruiting and training volunteers for summer fun in the parks.  If you enjoy being outdoors and interacting with children and adults, Stark Park invites you to apply.  Volunteer Application forms are available at the park’s web site, www.StarkParks.com  (click on Get Involved) or you may call Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Zutavern at 330-409-8993 to sign up for upcoming recruitment events:

• Feb. 7—Mascot Training School from 6-8 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway, 5712-12^th St. NW, at Sippo Lake Park

• March 13—6 to 8 p.m. Open House for dog owners who might like to become a member of the TAILblazer Pet Patrol . Don’t bring your canine friend with you (this time!) This is also at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park in Perry Township

• March 14—Pontoon Boat Captain Open House from 6-8 p.m. at the Exploration Gateway, 5712-12^th St. NW, at Sippo Lake Park 

Mascot Training

Ever wonder if you would enjoy portraying FeLeap, Stark Parks hiking frog mascot? Come to FeLeap School and find out! Prospective FeLeaps and FeLeap assistants will have a chance to try on the costume components, including large green flippers, FeLeap’s head, and fuzzy gloves. Current and past FeLeap volunteers will share their experiences at this fun-filled open house.

TAILblazers Pet Patrol

Volunteer with your best friend in the TAILblazer pet patrol program! Attend this open house to see if you and your dog have what it takes to be a part of this volunteer team. Dogs must have their Canine Good Citizen Certificate, Delta Pet Partners, or Therapy Dog International (TDI) certificate or be able to pass the test. Please DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG to this initial meeting. Current TAILblazer volunteers will be on hand to share their 2012 volunteer experiences.

Boat Captains

Captains are needed to drive pontoon boats at Sippo Lake in Perry Township and Walborn Reservoir north of Alliance. Previous boating experience is beneficial but not required.  Captains will be certified in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid and be required to attend a free park-sponsored Ohio Boater Education Course (OBEC) to be offered this spring, if they are not already OBEC certified.  Morning, afternoon and evening volunteer opportunities are available on both weekends and weekdays.