MANSFIELD — It was clear when Louis Andres took over as public works director in Mansfield in January that improving city parks would be a focus for new Mayor Jodie Perry.
After all, Andres began his 40-year career parks and recreation career in 1978 with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a park naturalist, including 22 years as the park manager at Malabar Farm State Park .
Andres told members of Mansfield City Council it was coming when he spoke during a meeting in February.
“We have a lot of different projects that are going to be in our parks and get those ready for the summer season,” Andres said. “We’re doing a lot and it’s going to take us some time. But we will work on it gradually.”
On Friday, it’s time to celebrate those successes with a day-long party at Liberty Park on the city’s northeast side.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the public to attend the re-dedication of the 24-acre Liberty Park at 577 Grace St.
“This year marks the 88th year anniversary of Liberty Park and this celebration is a community event to thank volunteers, groups, and businesses that have contributed to the over all success of Liberty and other parks,” Andres said Thursday.
“Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a sports fan, a nature lover or simply looking for a family-friendly fun, there will be something for everyone,” he said.
Improvements had been made, and more are in progress, at nearly every city park. But Perry and Andres said a public/private partnership helped to fuel progress at Liberty.
“We would not have been able to do the many things we accomplished without our partners and community support. The skatepark, the baseball fields, wooden bridge, picnic tables, native plantings and the basketball would not have been possible without our private partners,” he said.
Workers from Cincinnati Sportscapes were busy finishing up a new basketball court at Liberty Park on Thursday, installing a VersaCourt surface they said would last far longer than any asphalt treatment.
(Members of Cincinnati Sportscape LLC install a new VersaCourt basketball surface at Liberty Park on Thursday. The story continues below the photos.)
The new court includes the new Richland County-wide branding message and also the names of its two sponsors — BODYARMOR & the Coca-Cola Consolidated Foundation.
Friday will begin with a flagpole rededication at 9 a.m. The flagpole installation was a collaborative effort between city officials and the community, funded by local VFW Posts 3494 and 9943.
Area veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.
At noon, there will be a basketball court showcase featuring local teams from Hoops for Youth participating in skills contests at the new courts.
Summer Sun Fest begins at 4 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m., including a variety of food trucks.
The celebration of community and wellness will feature activities such as yoga, music, art, dance and sports demonstrations on the newly renovated skatepark and baseball field.
Child development organizations will engage kids with reading, storytelling and play at the Liberty Rewild area.
There will also be a bonfire, storytelling, South African drumming and giveaways plus food trucks in the new food court area.
“Summer Sun Fest is also an opportunity to see the new wooden bridge, playground, native plantings and skatepark improvements,” Andres said.
For a list of improvements being made (and planned) in city parks, click here.
With summer halfway over, though, Andres said attention will now focus on the completion of the Sterkel Community Park for All scheduled to open perhaps as soon as September.
“Preventative and general maintenance will be the focus in other parks the rest of this summer,” Andres said.
For more information about Friday’s celebration or the parks in general, contact the Mansfield City Parks Department at 419-522-9801.
