Rep. Sykes Presents $1.5 Million Check To Stark Parks for the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Area Restoration Project

Rep. Sykes Presents $1.5 Million Check To Stark Parks for the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Area Restoration Project

CANAL FULTON, OH - Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) presented a $1.5 million ceremonial check to Stark Parks for the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Area Restoration Project.

"This funding is about making sure everyone, regardless of age or ability, can experience the beauty and history of the Canal Fulton area. These improvements will strengthen local tourism, support our community, and create a more inclusive outdoor space for residents and visitors alike," said Rep. Sykes. "I will continue to work to secure federal funding to support projects like this that directly benefit residents of Ohio's 13th Congressional District."

"We are very grateful to Congresswoman Sykes for her efforts in helping to secure $1.5M towards improving the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The improvements that Stark Parks will be able to make as a result will significantly improve the user experience and will go a long way towards our goal of taking care of our existing parks," said Stark Parks Executive Director Dan Moeglin.

"On behalf of the City of Canal Fulton, I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the project to improve the city's portion of the Ohio Erie Canal Towpath corridor. We have longed for the trail pavement to be a cleaner surface for our citizens to walk, run and bike on in Canal Fulton. The planned repairs to the actual lock #4 itself was a dream beyond our imaginations. I wish to recognize Ohio Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes and Executive Director of Stark Park Dan Moeglin and their staff for their collaboration to honor the vision of Ralph Regula. His vision to preserve the Towpath Trail's history as an economic engine for Stark County has become an economic engine again for the City of Canal Fulton. Thousands of people every year will continue to be drawn to Canal Fulton to enjoy themselves and support our local economy. I thank God every day for the blessing of people like you who serve the people of Stark County Ohio," said Canal Fulton Mayor Joe Schultz.

This funding will support critical improvements in the Canal Fulton area of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Area, a key asset to Stark County and the surrounding region. The $1.5 million project will enhance accessibility, sustainability, and the visitor experience along the towpath, improving the user experience for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Upgrades include improvements to the existing parking lot to make the trailhead more accessible and enhancements to the canal to support recreational activities such as canal boat rides, kayaking, and fishing. The project will also upgrade the historic lock tender's house to be accessible to the public and construct fully ADA-accessible restrooms to replace existing temporary facilities. Together, these improvements will strengthen accessibility, preserve historic assets, and boost ecotourism throughout the region.

The $1.5 million for the Ohio and Erie Canal National Heritage Area Restoration Project is one of 15 Community Funding Projects totaling more than $12 million Rep. Sykes secured in the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget. The other projects included in this funding can be found here.