Welcome to the Ideas of March. Over the next couple of weeks, the Source has partnered with Mansfield Rising and the Richland County Foundation to introduce 9 new ideas for a better Mansfield and Richland County. Each day will bring a new idea and a new opportunity. Tell us what you think of this idea by completing the feedback form at the bottom of this story!
MANSFIELD — Much of downtown Mansfield is designed for family outings.
But navigating the “in-between” time when businesses or attractions are closed can be difficult for families with little ones.
Creating a Pocket Park, near the Carousel District/Brickyard area will provide a much needed space that is inviting, safe and free to the public.
The long-term goal of Pocket Parks will bring life to numerous locations throughout downtown.
We asked the organizer of this idea, Jessica Hiser, to share her thoughts on it.
“The idea for the Pocket Parks started with a trip downtown with our girls a few years ago. There are many stand-alone locations that cater to children, Carrousel, Buckeye Imagination, some shops, etc. but what is lacking is an urban playground families can utilize while downtown.
“It would give young families more reason to make a trip downtown and even provide a ‘kid-friendly’ space that could be utilized during community events such as Final Fridays.
“As the idea started to gain momentum and exploration through the Mansfield Rising project, I soon realized the concept of a playground / urban oasis could really be applied in many ways the Pocket Park was born.
“Empty lots throughout downtown, could be repurposed into a handful of pocket parks that cross-cater to numerous interests, ages and experiences. With loneliness at an all-time high, the need for in-person community connection is more important than ever.
“There could be a Pocket Park for art installations downtown, one could be a memorial park for those who have lost someone to have a dedicated space to remember them by, a historical or Mansfield history, urban style playgrounds, or simply an urban oasis that provides shade and removes the blight from an otherwise abandoned/ empty lot.”
The differentiator for this project is a primary playground design geared towards children and young families, with an intentional consideration of serving visitors of all ages.
A Pocket Park will provide more than just physical space.
It addresses the growing need for in-person, cross-generational social connections and community engagement.
Loneliness is at an all time high in the United States. Well-designed pocket parks will play a role in combating that on a local level.
Project breakdown
Est. Cost: $1.5 million to $2 million.
Potential Partners: Mansfield City, Richland County Commissioners, Downtown Mansfield, Inc., Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, civic groups & organizations, landscape companies.
Timeline: Once funding is in place and site is selected, we estimate 12 to 18 months for drawings, bids, and construction.
The inaugural Pocket Park would feature a play area that draws visitors in, provides a safe resting place, offers shade, seating and can be enjoyed year-round.
Conversations with a sample group of Richland County residents with young children garnered overwhelming support of an environment filled with “humps & bumps” of rolling hills, small tunnels and climbing structures and interactive art.
Our focus group said a nice resting place would extend the visits for families downtown, encourage them to attend more community events, and offer a communal environment to meet others.
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