Editor’s Note: This story is part of a month-long series that highlights 31 ideas included in the “Mansfield Rising” plan. The 67-page document was created by 15 local leaders after attending the South by Southwest Conference last March in Austin, Texas.
Idea 11: Showcase family-friendly movies on outdoor public screens
MANSFIELD — Families appreciate activities they can enjoy with their kids. Watching movies as a family in public gathering spaces makes the area feel more family-friendly.
There is a need for programming for children of all ages. Many current programs are geared toward younger children.
Several sites have been identified as prime outdoor movie space. Organizations such as the Renaissance Theatre and the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library could provide movies to show at the Brickyard.
An example of an ideal space for a pop-up theater is on the side of a building with an adjacent parking lot. Main Street Vermilion hosts movies in the park and does an excellent job in promotion of the series.
Again, this hits on the importance of having fun. And makes you think about a space differently. Having fun will change the story we tell about downtown Mansfield.
Join us for a live discussion of the “Ideas of March” series and the “Mansfield Rising” plan on Thursday, April 4.
Cost: Cost is $250 per screening, equipment (projector) can range from $1,200-$12,000.
Partners: Renaissance Theater, Mansfield Playhouse, Richland Carrousel Park, Kingwood Center, Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, pop-up locations, potential community center, Mansfield Richland County Public Library, Mansfield City Schools, and community organizations. An ideal partner would be the Mansfield Richland Public Library because they already show movies throughout the year. Cost could be shared between multiple interested partners such as service clubs and above partners.
Timeline: Summer 2019 and then annually.
