New Boating Rules for Chippewa Lake in 2026

Boaters must display current stickers in visible locations and remove expired ones before the upcoming season.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

The Medina County Park District has updated its regulations for boaters at Chippewa Lake, Ohio's largest inland lake. Starting February 23, 2026, boats docked at private docks must display current watercraft stickers on the exterior stern, clearly visible above the waterline. Expired stickers must be fully removed. The changes come after a review of the sticker rules by the Chippewa Lake stakeholder group.

Why it matters

The new sticker rules aim to improve the appearance and organization of the lake, which is a popular recreational destination. The park district also hopes the changes will make it easier for officials to enforce the regulations and ensure all boats are properly registered.

The details

The updated regulations require boaters to place the current Private Dock Watercraft Sticker in a visible location above the waterline on the exterior stern of their boat. Expired stickers must be completely removed and cannot remain on the vessel in any form. The park district clarified that their sticker does not replace state registration requirements through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and that tampering with valid stickers is prohibited.

  • The new rules will take effect on February 23, 2026, before the start of the upcoming boating season.
  • The Chippewa Lake stakeholder group met following the 2025 season to review the sticker placement and expiration policies.

The players

Medina County Park District

The local park authority that manages Chippewa Lake and its surrounding recreational areas.

Chippewa Lake stakeholder group

A group of local residents and lake users who met with the park district to discuss the sticker regulations.

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What’s next

The park district is expected to unveil a new half-mile, ADA-accessible trail on the former Chippewa Lake amusement park site this spring, providing a new way for visitors to explore the historic shoreline.

The takeaway

The new boating sticker rules at Chippewa Lake aim to maintain the appearance and organization of the popular recreational destination, while also ensuring all vessels are properly registered and identified. These minor changes come as the park district prepares for a busy spring season with the opening of a new accessible trail.