Parks and Recreation
MISSION STATEMENT: To enhance the quality of life in Mansfield by providing accessible, safe, and vibrant parks that celebrate our community’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and recreational opportunities while fostering connections, wellness, and life long learning.
Mansfield City Parks boast a rich history dating back to the 1800s, beginning with Central Park, and continue to thrive today. Spanning over 3,165 acres across 21 parks and the Clearfork Reservoir, the facilities offer something for everyone. Enjoy playgrounds, VersaCourt outdoor basketball surface courts, baseball fields, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor pavilions, picnic areas with shelters, charcoal grills, parking lots, restrooms, skateparks, lakes, splash pads, hiking trails, camping, boating, fishing, and even a dog park. The parks feature an 18-hole disc golf course, Story Walk trails, a historic blockhouse, a pioneer village complete with a log cabin, a colonial homestead garden, and a working blacksmith shop. Explore nature trails, Bike/Hike paved trails, native plant pollinator gardens, and a Walking Arboretum.
For recreation and learning, there are special events, nature and arts programs, kids’ summer camps, historical reenactments, and supervised recreational & educational activities. The parks are connected to local communities and attractions through paved bike/hike connector trails linking to the Richland B&O Trail, making them easily accessible.
Additionally, Mansfield City Parks are safe, welcoming green spaces with free Brightspeed Fiber Internet Wi-Fi hot spots, advanced AI security systems, and police patrols, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors, whether you’re exploring alone or spending quality time with friends and family. Two Public EV Level 2 Charging Ports are conveniently available at Sterkel Park.
North Lake Park
The park is located at 625 Hope Road in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about twenty-six (26) 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, splash pad, 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.
LIBERTY Park
The park is located at 577 Grace Street in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about twenty-five (25) 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, A NEW state-of-the-art VersaCourt outdoor basketball surface was installed with financial assistance from Coca-Cola CONSOLIDATED and BODYARMOR and numerous community groups and volunteers. 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 the water quality entering the duck pond. The Liberty DIY Skatepark signed an adopt-a-park agreement with the city, which allows it 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 own obstacles and fundraising through Skate Ohio, a newly formed non-profit based in Butler, Ohio.
ADDITION: We have added a SUMMER Sports Chest at Liberty Park with basketballs, baseballs, gloves, soccer balls, frisbees, and a football. We wanted to make sure the kids have something to do over the summer if they can’t afford their own equipment. The only rule is to use them at your leisure and put them back when you are done. Addition of the WINTER 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. If anyone has slightly used sports equipment they’d like to donate, please let us know.
Johns Park
Johns Park, located at 591 Johns Avenue in Mansfield, Ohio, spans approximately five (5) acres and has been part of the community for more than a century. The land was donated to the City in 1907, although the surrounding neighborhood—formerly known as the Johns Addition—dates back to the 1890s.
The park offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and is an ideal setting for gatherings and events. Its centrally located outdoor pavilion provides clear visibility across the park and serves as a convenient hub for activities. Amenities include a splash pad, soccer field, basketball court, playground, and picnic area, making it a versatile space for families and visitors.
The indoor pavilion can be arranged with tables and chairs to meet the needs of any event, offering flexibility and comfort for group functions. Johns Park continues to be a valued neighborhood destination for recreation, relaxation, and community events.
Prospect Park
Prospect Park, located at 542 Marquis in Mansfield, Ohio, spans approximately three (3) acres and has long been a valued neighborhood gathering place. The park holds historical significance as the site where children first learned pedestrian safety at Safety Town on August 6, 1937.
A newly constructed ADA outdoor pavilion—funded through generous contributions from the Rotary Club of Mansfield, Alumni Roofing, and the Richland County Foundation—now enhances the park’s amenities and provides a welcoming space for community use.
Prospect Park features playground equipment, a basketball court, and charcoal grills for outdoor cooking. The park also includes an adjacent softball/baseball field and a soccer field, offering a variety of recreational opportunities for families and visitors.
STERKEL Park
The park, maintained by the City of Mansfield, is located at 790 Hollywood Lane in Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about twenty-two (22) acres. The park is named after the late philanthropist Justine Sterkel, who owned the land off Lexington Avenue and fought to keep it for public charitable institutions. The Sterkel Community Park for All is one of Ohio’s premier community parks, accessible to residents of all ages and abilities. The park features large playground areas for different age groups and abilities, shaded seating, water fountains, paved walkways, Story Walk trail, pickleball courts, fitness equipment under the roof, a large outdoor pavilion with large charcoal grill & picnic tables, games tables, ping pong tables, benches, ADA & Family restrooms, picnic tables, a fenced dog park for small and large dogs, two EV Level 2 Public Charging Ports, Free public Wi-Fi hot spots, expanded parking areas and more. The park’s grand reopening was held on June 26th, 2025. The park is NOW OPEN for all to enjoy.
Over $4 million has been raised for the Community Park for All Campaign, bringing this project to life. For a video of the park dedication and facilities highlights, click here.
Burton Park
Burton Park, located at 1177 Sunset Blvd. in Mansfield, Ohio, spans eight (8) acres and offers a welcoming, wooded setting for visitors of all ages. The park features a popular pavilion nestled among mature trees, providing an ideal backdrop for gatherings, rentals, and outdoor relaxation.
Families will find plenty to enjoy, including a giant slide, modern playground equipment, and open sightlines that make it easy to supervise children. Recreational amenities include three pickleball courts, a basketball court, and soccer fields, offering a variety of options for active play.
A native wildflower field was planted, reaching peak bloom in early August and adding vibrant seasonal color to the park. The indoor pavilion is equipped with a kitchen, tables, and chairs, allowing guests to customize the space to meet their event needs.
Burton Park combines natural beauty, family‑friendly recreation, and flexible facilities, making it a valued community destination.
South Park
South Park is located at 100 Brinkerhoff Avenue, Mansfield, Ohio, and covers about thirty-five (35) acres. This park hosts many historical and summer activities. An outdoor pavilion with an attached kitchen is available for rent. The park has a gazebo, walking trails, a playground, and green open spaces for walking your dog 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 celebrated the 250th birthday of John “Appleseed” Chapman. Stop by and visit the blockhouse’s educational display. From 2025 through 2026, a series of events and workshops will highlight South Park’s & Mansfield’s connection and history, celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
A dedicated group of volunteers from the Richland Early American Center for History (R.E.A.C.H.) maintains and operates the 1800s historical village located in the park.
The Blockhouse, originally located in Mansfield’s public square, was one of eleven (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. Volunteers operate a Homestead Colonial community garden to help educate visitors about how to properly take care of and use herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables to give them the necessities needed to make their gardens at home. Restoration of the Colonial gardens was made possible through a grant from the Malabar Farm Foundation. Garden completion planned for the America 250 celebration in summer of 2026.
contact
100 Brinkerhoff Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio 44906
Phone: 419.522.9801
Park Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
CLOSED Saturday, Sunday, and legal Holidays
Parks Superintendent: Mike Woogerd