The City of Mansfield is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of Sterkel Park for All, a premier accessible playground and park, which is set to be one of the largest of its kind in Ohio. Located off Hollywood Lane in Mansfield, Ohio, the 33-acre park is named after the late philanthropist Justine Sterkel, who dedicated the land for public charitable use.
Grand Reopening Event:
- Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ribbon Cutting: 11:30 AM
- Activities: Ribbon cutting ceremony, picnic with hot dogs, chips, and drinks, and organized activities for all ages.
The Sterkel Community Park for All is designed to be an inclusive space that residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy. The ADA-compliant playground now features three age-appropriate zones with equipment and opportunities to enhance children’s mobility and sensory skills, challenge athletic users, support senior citizen activities, and unite families.
We are also excited to announce our sponsorships with Charles Hahn, the Cleveland Financial Group of downtown Mansfield, and Brightspeed. Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber builder, empowering homes and businesses with super-fast internet connectivity, is providing free public WiFi service at Sterkel Park and selected other city parks. Both Hahn and Brightspeed are supporting our grand reopening event, helping us kick off the summer season with even more excitement.
Park Features:
- Pavilion, picnic tables
- Restrooms and benches
- Outdoor Ping-Pong tables and pickleball courts
- Multi-purpose field
- Ground-level play equipment for children of all abilities and ages
Outdoor fitness area
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- SI<Y Tower — Although still a featured piece of equipment, the sky town size was cut down to accommodate the budget.
Play equipment for children of up to 12 years of age, including a fenced play area for children of up to 5 years
Year-round, walking path
dog park — Specific areas designated for small and large dogs
This has been a $4.6 million investment in our community and has been a collaborative effort between the City of Mansfield, Newhope, and the Chamber’s Richland Community Development Group (RCDG). Financial contributions of over $500,000 were made by the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities-Newhope, the Richland County Board of Commissioners, the City of Mansfield, and the Richland County Foundation (RCF). The following contributed $75,000 or more: Robert and Esther Black Family Fund of RCF, the John and Pearl Conard Foundation, State of Ohio, Family and Children First Council, the Sterl<el Foundation (which owns the land), the Richard and Arline Landers Foundation, the Ashland County Community Foundation-Taylor Family Foundation Fund, Milliron Auto Parts, Grant Milliron Foundation, and several individuals and families. All donors are listed on plaques installed at the park.
Sterkel Park is situated within one of Mansfield’s largest residential areas and is conveniently located near Newhope Raintree, Catalyst Life Services’ Rehab Center, medical offices, and the YMCA of North Central Ohio.
The public is invited to attend the event sponsored by Charles Hahn and Brightspeed at the June 26 grand reopening of Sterkel Park for All and experience this incredible community resource.