Paws, partnership and a new chapter at Sterkel Park

MANSFIELD — Sterkel Park has a place for everyone — including Mansfield’s four-legged residents.

Community leaders gathered Monday afternoon to celebrate the completion of improvements at the Sterkel Dog Park, a project that brought the Mansfield Rotary Club, local businesses, the city and other community partners together.

“This has been a project definitely in the works for a year-plus,” Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry said.

She said the event marked the completion of the dog park improvements rather than its opening, since the park has already been open and well used.

Rotary Club of Mansfield takes the lead

Perry credited Rotary Club of Mansfield Past President Melanie Riggleman with leading the project and bringing the pieces together.

“First of all, I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to Michelle Geiss and her leadership in getting this whole thing going,” Riggleman said.

Riggleman said the project started after the city fenced in the dog park, giving the Rotary Club an opportunity to add features to the space.

The club applied for a district grant and received partial funding for the project. A committee then came together to decide what improvements to make.

They installed the features purchased through the grant, including items that carry the Rotary name.

(Story continues below. Signage and improvements at the Sterkel Park dog park. Credit: Hannah Martin)

The club also worked with local businesses to add decorative metal silhouettes along the fencing.

President of the Rotary Club of Mansfield Christine Myers and Riggleman were the silhouettes on the fence when Myers mentioned having one for each panel.

“And I said, I know just the place we can get those,” Riggleman said.

It’s really because of all the partners that we have that this project could come together.

Melanie riggleman

Riggleman said Miller Fabrication and Welding in Lexington made 10 additional silhouettes after Jeff Miller offered to help with the project.

The silhouettes then went to Jay Industries, where Brent Taylor powder coated them before they returned to the park.

“Then I thought, you know, we really need a big tube on the big dog side,” Riggleman said.

She contacted Adena Corporation and received a tube for the project.

Gorman-Rupp Company fabricated legs for the tube, while Jay Industries powder coated those as well.

“It’s really because of all the partners that we have that this project could come together,” Riggleman said.

Community partners in Mansfield make it happen

Riggleman said the project showed what can happen when local businesses and organizations respond to a community idea with a willingness to help.

“If we hadn’t had all these people in Mansfield saying, ‘Hey, that’s a great idea, I’m all in, and I’d like to help,’ it would never have happened,” she said.

The project also included help from the city and other community partners.

The health department provided benches, while the city provided trees and a drinking fountain, according to Riggleman.

“The point is it was really a joint effort,” she aded. “It just shows how much Mansfield can come together in a positive way.”

Mansfield Public Works Director Louis Andres said the dog park represents another example of the community working together.

“It’s nice to see Mansfield come together and support these things,” he said.

“This is our second project with the Rotary Club. Hopefully this won’t be the last,” Andres said. “This truly is a community park for all. Now we include dogs as well.”

Mansfield Parks Superintendent Mike Woogerd said he worked with Riggleman throughout the process and thanked those involved.

“I’m happy to say we got the trees in the ground just this weekend, I believe, just in the nick of time,” Woogerd said.

(Story continues below. Louis Andres (left) and Mike Woogerd (right) speak at the ribbon cutting for improvements made to the Sterkel Park dog park. Credit: Hannah Martin)

Another piece of Sterkel Park

Sterkel Community Park for All opened in June 2025 as a 20-acre inclusive park.

The larger park also includes playgrounds, paved walkways, pickleball courts, fitness equipment, a pavilion, picnic areas and other amenities.

Earlier this year, Mansfield City Council accepted a $4,300 Rotary Club donation for an ADA walkway to the dog park.

Sixth Ward Councilwoman Deborah Mount thanked those involved with the project and called it “a wonderful addition to the park.”

Jennifer Wagner, director of member engagement for Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, thanked those who helped make the project possible.

“Who doesn’t love having our dogs with us wherever we go?” Wagner said. “So just on behalf of dog lovers everywhere, thank you to all that made this happen.”

(Photos from the improvements made for the Sterkel Park dog park ribbon cutting. Credit: Hannah Martin)