MANSFIELD — Wet weather in May slowed improvements and construction at Mansfield’s Sterkel Community Park for All.
In fact, a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony — originally set for May 23 — was postponed due to high amounts of rainfall. Louis Andres, the city’s public works director, said repaving of the parking lot was one item slowed because of weather.
On Tuesday night, Andres said crews were set to begin pavement work Wednesday, thanks to improved weather conditions.
“We hope to have our reopening some time later this month,” he told local lawmakers.
On Wednesday night, the date was set for June 26.
During his report to Mansfield City Council, Andres also said the new pedestrian bridge at Middle Park was scheduled to be installed Wednesday. The bridge will re-connect the park to Park Avenue West.
“A lot of students cross that ravine right now and then go up the steps to Morningside Drive and Third Street, so this will be beneficial to them as well,” City of Mansfield engineer Bob Bianchi said of the pedestrian bridge in November 2024.
Ongoing improvements to city parks has been a focus for Andres and Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry. First Ward Councilwoman Laura Burns recently brought attention to the positive responses these efforts have sparked.
“I definitely know that I romanticize our parks probably more than the average person, but it was so amazing to drive around and see them being fully utilized,” Burns told City Council at the end of May.
Community partnerships, free public WiFi
Andres said the city is continuing to see an increase in work with community partners, particularly at Mansfield parks.
“There seems to be a lot of resurgence of interest in that,” he told local lawmakers.
A few recent collaborations have included a pop-up skate park at Maple Lake Park with Skate Ohio and a park-wide clean up at the Liberty Park in conjunction with Rewild Liberty Park.
Access to free public WiFi is now available at North Lake, Sterkel, Liberty and Central parks.
Andres said the internet access has been made possible through a partnership with Brightspeed.
