PIKE TWP. − Pike Ridge Park is the new destination for hiking and equestrian in Stark County.
The newest Stark Park had its grand opening Friday. A crowd of hikers, horseback riders and nature lovers gathered to mark the occasion.
The park, located at 7498 East Sparta Avenue SE in Pike Township, is 520 acres and was once home to Canton’s water treatment plant.
Hikers take in an inaugural hike after the opening of Pike Ridge Park in Pike Township.
Dan Moeglin, executive director of Stark Parks, said he first visited the property 20 years ago in 2005 and knew it would make a great park.
“This has been a long term dream of mine,” he said.
Dan Moeglin , executive director of Stark Parks speaks at Friday’s grand opening of Pike Ridge Park in Pike Township.
The city of Canton remediated the land in the late 90s. It has been largely unused since then.
Stark Parks entered into a no cost, 25-year development and management agreement with the city in 2023. Canton retains ownership of the property while the park district maintains it.
Hikers take in scenery during Friday’s opening of Pike Ridge Park in Pike Township. It’s the newest addition to Stark Parks.
Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II said the new park will be an asset to nearby residents.
“It’s a very, very good day, not just for the city of Canton but for the residents of Pike Township,” Sherer said. “This is the right thing to do, but it takes all of us working together to make that happen.”
Pike Ridge Park first opened to limited guided tours last summer. It is the first Stark Parks location to open since Tam O’Shanter in Jackson Township in 2019.
Pike Ridge Park is now fully open to visitors with over five miles of trails. Stark Parks continues work on development, with immediate plans to expand the trail system and preserve the land through a conservation easement.
The newest Stark park had its grand opening Friday. Pike Ridge Park is in Pike Township.
Pike Ridge Park could be ‘premier’ destination for horseback riding
Valerie Stroh-Kline is vice president of the Stark County chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council. She said the new park’s proximity to the highway will likely make it a popular destination for horseback riders.
“It’s so convenient,” Stroh-Kline said. “I think there’s going to be a lot of use in the equestrian community.”
Stroh-Kline and other riders have had the chance to tour the park on horseback before the grand opening. The property is very scenic, particularly at the top of the overlook, she said.
Hikers take in scenery during Friday’s opening of Pike Ridge Park in Pike Township. It’s the newest addition to Stark Parks.
“It looks like out west,” she said. “It’s just an amazing view. It’s huge, breathtaking.”
The Ohio Horseman’s Council was involved in the park’s development and was able to give input to the park district.
Greg Monsanty, engineer for the Ohio Horseman’s Council, said the park is poised to be a great destination for horseback riders as more trails open up
“They could make this a premier riding place,” he said.
Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@gannett.com. Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16.
The opening of Pike Ridge Park in Pike Township Friday, April 11, 2025.
The opening of Pike Ridge Park in Pike Township Friday, April 11, 2025.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Pike Ridge Park opens for hikers and horseback riders in Stark County