Parks were one of the main focuses of Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry’s first year in office, and they will remain one in 2025.
Mark Abrams, parks superintendent, reviewed last year and previewed this one at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
“Last year was a completely different year for the parks department,” Abrams said, crediting new Public Works Director Louis Andres. “We’ve been able to get a lot done; he’s been able to find money for us.”
A flag raising ceremony was held last summer at Liberty Park to dedicate a new flagpole rebuilt with VFW funds.
Abrams said the parks department worked on up to 50 projects at once. Mansfield has 21 parks.
He added his department came up with a mission statement.
“We’re going to keep pushing on and doing more things in 2025,” Abrams said.
He also thanked council, as well as community partners.
Liberty Park was one of the main targets last year. Improvements included a new basketball court, bridge, culvert, drinking fountain and sidewalks. A baseball field was installed, and the bath house and sandstone bridge were repaired and cleaned.
Security was upgraded at North Lake Park, which also received new roofs and paint for the pavilions and a restriped basketball court and parking lot.
At South Park, workers installed Story Book Walk and repaired and cleaned stone pillars.
Councilman Aurelio Diaz said the improvements, especially at Liberty Park, have created a snowball effect, making residents want to improve the parks close to their homes.
“The enthusiasm for the parks has been contagious within the city as well,” Perry said.
Plans for 2025 include the long-anticipated opening of Sterkel Community Park for All. The park on King Street will get a new basketball court and playground, along with a walking path.
Maple Lake will receive a new pavilion and a remodeled restroom. Middle Park will have two bridges installed, along with a disc golf course.
Improvements to Prospect Park will include a new basketball court and pavilion.
Council’s agenda was light at Tuesday’s meeting. Members tabled a resolution to support the Ohio Municipal League’s challenge of AT&T’s tariff application at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
AT&T withdrew its application after widespread criticism from local governments.
“Something will probably come back,” Perry said. “This would be very expensive to the city.”
The mayor said such a move would likely extend to Columbia Gas and First Energy.
In other business, council:
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Ordered the demolition of structures at 509 Lida St., 339 High St. and 352-354 Third Ave.
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Authorized then-and-now certificates in the amounts of $4,060 to Baker, Dublikar and $8,268.75 to Bricker Graydon.
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Accepted a grant from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $33,931.10.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield City Council hears plans to improve parks