Mansfield City Parks

Welcome to Mansfield City Parks, our parks are an essential part of the social, economic, and physical well-being of the city and its residents. The City sponsors a variety of recreational and special events at these twenty-two (22) city-owned parks, which cover over 2,268 acres of land and water. The Clearfork Reservoir Park is located seven miles southwest of Mansfield near State Route 97. Offers camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking. These parks are a source of both civic pride and historic significance, offering a relaxing environment and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. In 2024, the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway which passes through the city, will celebrate the 250th birthday of John “Appleseed” Chapman with a series of events that will highlight South Park’s & Mansfield’s Johnny Appleseed connection and history.

City parks provide access to recreational opportunities, increase property values, spur local economies, improve safety, and mitigate stormwater runoff and other environmental threats. Parks are now recognized as powerful tools for urban communities and local economies to help drive more vibrant and equitable cities. [Source from the City Parks Alliance]

Park staff is responsible for maintaining the city parks, doing everything from fencing to landscaping to groundskeeping and building maintenance work in partnership with various garden clubs, businesses, and community and service organizations. The Park’s Department accepts donations of plants and flowers for planters and flower beds, making the parks even more beautiful. The City’s parks have been acquired in various ways throughout the years, some were donated by individuals, groups, and businesses while others were developed from land purchased by the city. There are several pavilions located throughout the city parks that are available for rent. Whether you’re looking for a serene spot to celebrate, and relax, or a place to host your next event, Mansfield City Parks has something for everyone. The city’s SOUTH PARK features an 1800s historical village and monuments honoring our local history, heroes, and Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman.

For EMERGENCIES in city parks DAIL 911, non-emergencies to report maintenance concerns, reservations, event permits, donations, or questions, please call the Park Office at 419-522-9801. Reservations can be made in person at South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Avenue,  Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Complete visitor information is available at DestinationMansfield.com or 800-642-8282. Want to find more things to do in Mansfield? Visit the area’s Calendar of Events.

(Pictured) The Vasbinder Fountain donated to the city by David and Jane Vasbinder on July 4, 1881, is a Mansfield landmark in Central Park. 

North Lake Park

The park is located at 625 Hope Road in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about 20 acres. North Lake Park offers many amenities to hold various events. Whether you are looking to go biking on the B&O Bike Trail’s northern-most point in Mansfield, fishing, playing basketball, hiking, or hosting a party, North Lake Park is a great location. Some of the amenities include a basketball court, a pond for fishing, charcoal grills, playground equipment, and a picnic area for you and your family to enjoy the outdoors. The indoor pavilion offers a kitchen and a nice open area to set up tables and chairs for all your group’s needs.

To inquire about reserving a park pavilion or questions, please call our park office at 419-522-9801. Reservations must be made in person at South Park,100 Brinkerhoff Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm.

LIBERTY Park

The park is located at 577 Grace Street in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about twenty-four (24) acres. In 1937, the folks who lived in the neighborhoods near Grace Street wanted a city park where their kids could play close to home, so they took it upon themselves to raise the money it took to buy 24 acres with a small creek. Today, The Rewild Liberty Park is a grassroots community group dedicated to creating and implementing a rewilding plan for the spring-fed stream in Liberty Park. The goal would be to remove invasive species and replace them with native plants and trees to support biodiversity and improve water quality entering the duck pond. The Liberty DIY Skatepark signed an adopt-a-park agreement with the city, which allows him to take charge of Liberty Park’s fenced-in tennis courts. A plan is being developed by Skate Mansfield/Skate Ohio and local skaters to turn the 25,000-square-foot pad into a skate park by building their obstacles and fundraising through Skate Ohio, a newly formed non-profit based in Butler, Ohio.

WINTER ADDITION: We are excited to announce the addition of the Little Sled Shed at the park’s sledding hill. This shed contains FREE sleds that can be used by the community members and returned when finished. Special thank you to Skate Mansfield/Skate Ohio for making this possible.

To inquire about or have questions, please call our park office at 419-522-9801 or in person at South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Liberty Park History

Johns Park

The park is located on Johns Avenue in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about 22 acres. The land that is Johns Park was donated to the city in 1907, though the neighborhood around it — known then as the Johns Addition — was in place since the 1890s. Johns Park provides many opportunities to get out and enjoy the outdoors while hosting a group or event inside the pavilion. The outdoor pavilion is in the middle of the park so you can see what is going on all around you. The park has a splash pad, soccer field, basketball court, playground, and picnic area. The inside of the pavilion can hold tables and chairs that can be set up exactly how you like. To inquire about reserving a park pavilion or questions, please call our park office at 419-522-9801. Reservations must be made in person at South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Prospect Park

The park is located at 542 Marquis, Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about three (3) acres. Prospect Park on August 6, 1937, is when kids first waited till the light changed at Safety Town. Prospect Park is one of our parks that can hold smaller outdoor events. The park has playground equipment or you can cook out with the charcoal grills outside as well. The park has a softball/ baseball field attached and a soccer field as well. To inquire or have questions, please call our park office at 419-522-9801.

STERKEL Park

The park is located off Hillcrest Street in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about 33 acres. The park is named after the late philanthropist Justine Sterkel, who had owned the land off Lexington Avenue and fought to keep the land for public institutions of charity. The Sterkel Community Park for All is one step closer to being one of Ohio’s premier community parks that residents of all ages and levels of abilities can visit and enjoy. Currently under construction is the park’s zone 1 which will feature pickleball courts, fitness equipment under the roof, a large outdoor pavilion, ping pong tables, benches, restrooms, and more. The new park’s zone is projected to open in the fall of 2024. This park is suitable for walking and features a tennis court and a baseball court.

About $4 million of the $5.4 million goal has been raised since last year for the Community Park for All Campaign. Donations are needed to complete the fundraising goal for this project. Donations can be made online at the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce website at richlandareachamber.com by scrolling to the bottom of the chamber’s home page and clicking on “sector groups” under “Initiatives”; then, click on Sterkel Park Sector’s “donate” button. Gift checks can be sent to PARK-RCDG, in care of Newhope, 314 Cleveland Ave., Mansfield, OH 44902.

To inquire about or have questions please call the park office at 419-522-9801.

Burton Park

Burton Park is located on Sunset Blvd, in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers eight (8) acres. The park is a great Pavilion to rent if you want the feel of the woods surrounding you. It lays in the center of many trees great fun for the kids to enjoy the outdoors. With a giant slide, and playground equipment to play on this park will not disappoint. It has 3 pickleball courts, a basketball court, and soccer fields and is just large enough to keep an eye on the kids while enjoying relaxation in the pavilion or the picnic areas. The indoor pavilion offers a kitchen, tables, and chairs to set up exactly the way you would like to meet your needs. To inquire about reserving a park pavilion or questions, please call the park office at 419-522-9801. Reservations or questions can be made in person at South Park, 100 Brinkerhoff Avenue, Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm.

South Park

South Park is located at 100 Brinkerhoff Ave. Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about 35 acres. This park is where many historical and summer activities are held. An outside pavilion with an attached kitchen is available for rent. The park has a gazebo, walking trails, a playground, and green open spaces for walking the dog around to enjoy nature. The park features a historical village and monuments honoring our local history, heroes, and Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman. In 2024, the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway will celebrate the 250th birthday of John “Appleseed” Chapman with a series of events that will highlight South Park’s & Mansfield’s Johnny Appleseed connection and history.

A dedicated group of volunteers from the Richland Early American Center for History ( R.E.A.C.H.) maintain and operate the 1800’s historical village located in the park.

The Blockhouse, originally located in Mansfield’s public square, was one of 11 built in the Mansfield area during the War of 1812 as a refuge from Native American attacks and is the last surviving local structure from that era. The 1812 blockhouse, the 1808 Petersburg Log cabin, and blacksmith & woodworking shops are open to the public seasonally and during special events throughout the year. A community garden is operated by volunteers and helps teach children how to properly take care of fruits and vegetables to give them the necessities needed to make their own gardens at home. To inquire about reserving a park pavilion, please call 419-522-9801. Reservations must be made in person at South Park at 100 Brinkerhoff Avenue Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm.