‘Imagination Park’ opening has residents dancing in the streets:
Open Source: What’s the story with the collapsed roof on the old Mansfield prison building?
Mount Vernon man arrested after search warrant executed in connection with drug trafficking:
Ashley Finnerty Stafford:
You’re listening to Source Daily. Join us Monday through Friday to stay up to date with what’s happening in North Central Ohio. We’ll be sharing a closer look at one of our top stories, along with other news, local history, memorials, answers to your questions, and more.
Today – “Imagination Park on 3rd Street” finally opened on Monday. The temporary park was designed by a local architect and aims to give residents an idea of what it would look like if the city was a little more green and a little more walkable.
“Imagination Park on 3rd Street” officially opened this week. It’s located along West Third Street, between Mulberry Street and Bowman Avenue. But it’s temporary – only open until October 1st, so make sure to find time to check it out.
The temporary park was designed by local architect Matthew Stanfield of FiELD9: architecture. The idea is to show what a permanent park like this may offer. Jodie Perry, the president and CEO of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development explained that parking lots are not bad – but this is what would it look like if there was a little more green here … if it was a little more walkable. Perry said they had this crazy idea and Stanfield brought it to life! About 30 people volunteered over the weekend to help create an opening to remember.
The park is funded by a $25,000 grant that Richland Community Development Group received from AARP as part of its 2021 Community Challenge Grant program. Perry said AARP had more than 3,500 applications for grants and only awarded 244. So it was a big deal that Mansfield and Richland County received it. A linear park is a long, narrow park that often runs alongside a road or waterway. Local officials hope that eventually a permanent park could connect the new Imagination District with the historic Carrousel District.
The park includes numerous interactive features such as a bike path, seating areas, lounging areas, entertainment areas, and more. Trees, shrubs, and flowers help give the land a more park-like feel. A colorful crosswalk across Third Street was created by local artists Allison Pence and Robin Shoup. Other public artwork is also visible.
Food trucks are planned daily in the park and a closing event on Oct. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. will include live music, games, children’s crafts and and more. In designing the park, Stanfield said he and his staff looked at linear parks around the country, especially The High Line in New York City. Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker and Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero also offered remarks before the ribbon was cut.
Theaker explained he wants everybody to enjoy this – it’s an event that will show what we can do if we make certain areas of the city green. And Vero said this is really a unique day. It’s just a sign of growth in this community to maximize green spaces or create green spaces where they are not. Check out photos from the opening at richlandsource.com
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Next, we’re answering a question from our readers and listeners like you. Today’s question focuses on a vacant inmate honor dorm near the Mansfield Correctional Institution. And it’s scheduled for demolition this fall. But it’s already beginning to self-demolish. In fact, Richland Source reader Mark Davis noticed a section of the roof on the large, aging brick building had collapsed. The building was most recently used by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction when MANCI still had its prison farm in operation, a holdover from the old Ohio State Reformatory days dating back to the 1920s.
In the spring of 2016, the ODRC announced the MANCI prison farm was one of eight agricultural operations the state was shuttering to create new rehabilitation and job-training programs for inmates that better met current employment needs. No decisions were announced about buildings associated with the former farming operation, leaving them largely unused since 2017.
Sara Downs, an ODRC spokesperson, said the vacant honor dorm was identified and funded for demolition prior to COVID-19, which reached Ohio in March 2020. But like many things, the pandemic shut down those plans too. For now, Marc Milliron, building and codes manager for the City of Mansfield, said his department is limited on what it can do since the buildings and property are owned by the State of Ohio. He has been in contact with the ODRC and has also been told demolition is planned.
Next, from Knox Pages: A mount Vernon man was arrested on multiple charges this week after a search warrant was executed last week, according to Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer. 29 year old Jesse Nyhart, of Mount Vernon was arrested on active warrants that included improper handling firearms in a motor vehicle, and intimidation.
According to a press release, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with members of the Mount Vernon Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit executed a search warrant at 105 North McKenzie St last week. Deputies got the warrant as part an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
Three adults were discovered outside of the residence and two were located inside the residence. Suspected drugs, along with paraphernalia, pills, cash, ammunition, counterfeit bills, and other items were seized as evidence. The case remains under investigation and additional charges are expected. Stay up to date with us at knoxpages.com
Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember Ashley Finnerty-Stafford of Mansfield.
Ashley was born in 1989 in Youngstown. As a young child, Ashley was a protective big sister. She was very creative. She enjoyed writing, drawing, and music. She was talented in the arts and earned awards at school. She dreamed of being a fashion designer. Ashley attended North Central State College.
She loved her family and friends. Her best friend describes her as fierce, fearless, and adventurous. She was a free spirit that loved and accepted people without judgment. Her family described her as loving, giving, sweet and kind. Her daughter, Aubrey was her life. Ashley was happiest when she was spending time with Aubrey.
Ashley struggled with addiction, and it ultimately took her life. Ashley is survived by her beloved daughter, her mother and step-father, her father, her brother, her step-brothers, many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her grandfather.
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