MANSFIELD — Mansfield faces challenges such as physical inactivity and social isolation that traditional parks can’t fully address. “The Yard” offers a transformative solution. Designed as a central hub for athletic training, social engagement, and community development and serving users like high school athletes with state-of-the-art facilities and structured programs. We asked Braxton Daniels, one […]
Ideas of March
9 new ideas for a better Mansfield and Richland County. Contributed articles from the Mansfield Rising team.
Posted inCommunity Development
Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: Pocket Park could create an urban oasis
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 […]
Posted inCommunity Development
Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: Create a mixed-use creative space
MANSFIELD — Mansfield has a deep history of manufacturing and innovation, and is also developing a deep and diverse creative community. While there are many existing creative spaces, they generally operate as separate units with little overlap or sharing of resources. A multi-use creative maker-space would serve to inspire the next generation of makers and […]
Posted inCommunity Development
Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: Launch a Digital Trauma Support Resource
MANSFIELD — Safety and violence prevention needs to be at the forefront of every community development plan. Ensuring our residents have a safe space to live, work, and go to school are the fundamental building blocks that grow a healthy city and attract investment. During a May 2024 gun violence panel discussion, survivors shared how […]
Posted inCommunity Development
Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: Housing First for Mansfield
MANSFIELD — In 2023 alone there were 257 students in Mansfield City Schools experiencing housing insecurity. Mansfield has a poverty rate which is double the national average. For kids experiencing homelessness, there are not enough shelter beds or accessible affordable housing options to meet their needs. Often times, couch surfing is the only attainable solution […]
Posted inCommunity Development
Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: The Homage Project
MANSFIELD — Central Park is the front door to Mansfield, and should enrich our citizens lives and welcome visitors to the city. Over the years it has become a crowded memorial space in the midst of one of the least quiet and reflective places in the city. Currently, Central Park neither serves the purpose of […]
Posted inCommunity Development
Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: Establish an emerging developers accelerator
MANSFIELD — Mansfield’s ability to grow and sustain its housing market is threatened by a shortage of skilled developers interested in completing projects in Mansfield. There is lasting benefit in the cultivation of the next generation of homegrown talent to sustain community growth and attract new investment. This initiative is designed to cultivate homegrown housing […]
Posted inCommunity Development
Mansfield Rising’s Ideas of March: Increasing accessibility to school transportation
MANSFIELD — The project aims to address transportation issues for high school students living within a 1.5-mile busing radius of Mansfield City Schools, where 33 percent of students face attendance problems, especially in winter. By partnering Mansfield City Schools with Richland County Transit, the initiative seeks to provide reliable transportation, enhance community connections, and promote […]
Posted inCommunity Development
The Ideas of March: An update to Mansfield Rising begins
MANSFIELD — 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 nine new ideas for a better Mansfield and Richland County. Each day will bring a new idea and a new opportunity to ask questions and get involved. […]