our history - look how far we've come
The new Massillon Parks & Recreation Department was created on January 1, 1996 with the passage of a 3/10 of 1% income tax by the citizens of Massillon in 1995. The dollars generated from this tax are designated to be spent for park and recreation purposes. The Department falls under the City's organizational structure and also receives guidance and oversight by the Recreation Board. This policy making board is comprised of three members appointed by the Mayor and the other two by the Massillon School Board.
The Department was formed by combining the City of Massillon's Senior Center Department, the City's Parks Department and the Recreation Department which operated somewhat autonomously of the City with its primary funding through a Massillon City School property tax. Since this time, the City's Youth Outreach Program and the Legends of Massillon Golf Course have also come under the umbrella of the Parks and Recreation Department in an effort to maximize the success potential of each operation by providing additional management resources and oversight.
upgrades galore
Since the establishment of the "new" Recreation Board in 1996, the Parks & Recreation Department has been involved in creating, renovating and improving park locations and facilities throughout the City of Massillon, investing over $20 million in capital projects. Examples include new basketball courts, walking paths, new ball diamonds, an in-line hockey rink, the Sippo Valley Trail, the Towpath Trail, the wading pool and pavilion at Oak Knoll Park, new park restrooms, picnic shelters, and 17 new playground structures. Major projects include the dredging of the Reservoir followed by fish stocking, the new 80+ acre Community Park, the Massillon Recreation Center, an Off-Leash Dog Park, the expansion of the Legends Golf Course to 27 holes, and countless other park improvements. The park maintenance complex on Nave Road was added in 2005.
where the money goes
Since 1995 the department's budget has grown exponentially from approximately $360,000/year to approximately $4,300,000/year. Our combined budgets include approximately 48% of the revenue from the special park income tax and the remaining 52% of the revenue from user fees, grants, donations, and sponsorships. Staff members also grew from a team of 6 full-time and a handful of seasonal employees to 23 full-timers with diverse backgrounds and education in the parks and recreation field as well as approximately 150 part-time and seasonal employees. We now maintain 35 parks, open spaces and public gardens, 8 facilities, 14 open shelters and over 17 miles of multipurpose trails, and approximately 800 acres of property, which includes a 27-hole championship golf course.
With regard to structured recreation, increased revenue and the maximization of every dollar has allowed the Department to tremendously increase its recreational offerings over the years to over 400 annual programs, special events, leagues, and trips each year. Programs are planned seasonally for individuals and families of all ages and abilities. A program brochure listing all of our activities is mailed each season to approximately 19,000 area households. Major programs are held at many parks, the Senior Center, Youth Center, and Recreation Center.
awards
Our department has received numerous awards over the past several years including acknowledgements from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association for park & trail development, facility construction and program planning. We have also received local awards from organizations such as the Massillon Chamber of Commerce for community improvement projects. We also continue to maintain our Tree City USA designation each year by staying committed to our city's trees. A comprehensive Urban Forestry Program was finally initiated in 2003, which involves the care and maintenance for all street trees.
our facilities & product offering
The Recreation Center amenities include an aquatics area featuring two 20 ft. water slides linked to a multipurpose pool, a dry sauna, a kiddie play-pool, a lazy river, and a two-lane lap pool. The multi-purpose gymnasium features a three-lane walking track above two full size basketball courts and a rock climbing wall. Other amenities include community rooms, a game room, a childcare room and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The Recreation Center is also a link and information hub to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
senior center
Located in downtown Massillon provides year round recreational and social activities, as well as daily lunches for individuals 55 years of age and older. The center continues to expand its services each year, offering activities and assistance that appeal to all levels of interest and abilities.
youth outreach program
Provides a variety of recreational, social and cultural programming for the area youth. Programs include a year round youth meals program and all day activities during the months of June through August. Year round activities include an after school program, tutoring, special holiday programs, and much more.
legends golf course
Ranked as the 4th best public course by Ohio by Great Lakes Magazine in the first annual reader's choice awards, the Legends of Massillon Golf Course also has a 4 star rating by Golf Digest. This tee to green bent grass facility recently expanded to 27 holes featuring 22 lakes and83 sand bunkers. Dubbed as the place to play in Stark County, this resort style municipal facility consistently attracts golfers from a 100 mile radius every week. Look for the Legends to continue improving with course updates, special events, and new programs.
genshaft softball park
One of the area's top softball facilities, has seen thousands of softball players gather seven days a week each spring, summer and fall on four fields playing more than a thousand games each year. Dozens of area tournaments and invitationals call this facility home each summer. A major infield renovation project was completed in 2005.
wampler park
Has the area's first, one-of-a-kind, outdoor in-line hockey rink. The playing surface features a custom designed acrylic-on-asphalt surface, which resembles the color of ice and is smooth and resilient. This facility is free and open to the public during park hours.
eagles #190 sports complex
Developed in partnership with the Massillon Football Booster Club. This facility features an eight lane track as well as all the field amenities needed for successful meets, a soccer/football field, and softball field. This state-of-the-art facility hosts many recreation programs and special events throughout the year. It also serves the Massillon School District's need for additional athletic facilities for their team sports.
furnas off-leash dog park
Dog owners can now take advantage of the off-leash facility designed for use by man's best friend. Located in Furnas Park, this addition to our park system features separate fenced areas for large and small dogs.
walking and biking trails
Nature lovers and hikers are alive and well, enjoying the great outdoors on our walking, hiking and biking trails. The Sippo Valley Trail beginning at the Bottoms Park is an 8-mile stretch of the former Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad bed. The trail offers a prime hiking and biking route, with portions yielding as an equestrian trail, reaching to the Wayne County line. The Campbell Walking Path at Reservoir Park provides 1.27 miles of rubberized path for walking and jogging and continues into nearby South Sippo Park. The up and coming Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail is a 110-mile trail currently under development, stretching from Lake Erie in Cleveland and ending in New Philadelphia. Massillon's 6-mile section runs adjacent to the Tuscarawas River.
what the future holds
Despite its recent success and rapid growth, the Massillon Parks and Recreation Department is not going to rest on its laurels. The process for attaining national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park & Recreation Agencies is underway. This process will mean compliance with 156 national standards for operations of a Parks and Recreation Department. With this in mind, the Massillon Parks & Recreation Department will continue to provide quality facilities, services and programs that promote positive community development through first-rate leisure activities. Our department will also ensure that our parks, trails and recreational facilities operate under the highest standards of integrity, morals and equality while working with other service providers in the community to benefit the overall quality of life.
The City of Massillon Parks & Recreation Department…
Providing Excellence in Motion!
