MANSFIELD — Prospect Park will celebrate its 88th birthday in 2025 by also getting a new pavilion.
The Rotary Club of Mansfield has announced its commitment to funding the new pavilion at the three-acre park at 542 Marquis Ave. on the city’s near south side.
This community enhancement project, made possible through a collaborative partnership with the City of Mansfield, Purdy Construction and Alumni Roofing, will restore a vital community space in one of Mansfield’s beloved parks, according to organizers.
The previous pavilion at the park, which opened in 1937, had served as a gathering place for families, friends, and community events.
However, the structure was removed several years ago due to safety concerns, leaving a void in the park’s open area.
(Above are maps showing the location of Prospect Park on Mansfield’s near south side.)
Mayor Jodie Perry, who took office in January, said in March she had heard from many residents about the need to improve Prospect Park. New playground equipment was installed at the park earlier this year at a cost of $67,740.
“We are so appreciative of this effort by the Mansfield Rotary Club, Purdy Construction and Alumni Roofing,” Perry said.
“This pavilion will restore a gathering area for families, neighbors and friends in the Prospect Park neighborhood. As a longtime Rotarian, I am so proud of their efforts on this and many other projects that impact our community,” she said.
“The new pavilion at Prospect Park will be a space for neighbors to gather, families to celebrate, and friends to enjoy the outdoors together,” said Kyle Swigart, Rotary Club president.
“We believe that investing in our parks is an investment in our community’s quality of life and aligns with our vision statement that together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves,” Swigart said.
Construction for the new pavilion is set to begin in spring 2025, with plans to complete the project by May 31.
In addition to the pavilion, future improvements for Prospect Park will include a new parking area and basketball courts, further enhancing the park’s amenities and appeal, he said.
The City of Mansfield will handle ongoing maintenance for the new pavilion, with the Rotary Club committed to providing annual maintenance support as needed, ensuring the structure remains a well-kept gathering space for years to come.
Swigart said the Rotary Club is actively fundraising for this project as part of the annual Richland Gives campaign and is grateful to all supporters helping bring this vision to life.
About Rotary: The Rotary Club of Mansfield, chartered in 1920, upholds the Rotary mission of “Service Above Self” and follows the organization’s “Four-Way Test”—an ethical guideline that asks: “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” This project aligns perfectly with
these values, as the pavilion will serve as a safe, accessible space that encourages connection and community spirit among Mansfield residents. For more information on this Mansfield Rotary Club project and to support this initiative through the Richland
Gives campaign, please visit Mansfield Rotary Club Foundation Inc | Richland Gives
