Sterkel Park campaign seeks $750,000 for Sky Tower and benches

Special to the News Journal
·2 min read

The Sterkel Community Park for All Campaign is underway to build one of the premier community parks in Ohio — where all residents can socialize and play within their levels of ability and interest.

The centerpiece of the new park will be the extraordinary 26-foot-high Sky Tower, giving children 5 and older an opportunity to have a bird’s-eye view of the world. The tower will be an exciting attraction for children from all over the region, according to a news release.

The Sky Tower will be one of dozens of special park features. An ambitious and special campaign has been launched to raise the $750,000 for the unique Sky Tower and the park’s shaded benches.  All donors will have their names featured on the Sky Tower.

The Sterkel Community Park for All campaign wants to raise $750,000 for this Sky Tower and the park's shaded benches.
The Sterkel Community Park for All campaign wants to raise $750,000 for this Sky Tower and the park's shaded benches.

Weaving among the five park zones will be a mile-long walking path with shaded benches along the way and open year-round.

The Community Park for All at Sterkel Park off Hillcrest Street will serve adults and children of all ages and abilities throughout north central Ohio. Once completed, the new park will be the largest of its kind in Ohio to feature the number of pieces of play equipment that are accessible to everyone of all abilities, organizers said.

“Everyone, no matter their age or disability, deserves a place to play, socialize and have fun — this park will have it all,” said Michele Giess, superintendent, Richland County Developmental Disabilities Board of Directors (Newhope).

In addition to the Sky Tower, park visitors will have a pavilion, picnic tables and grills as well as pickle ball courts, a multi-purpose field, an outdoor fitness area, and ground level play equipment.

Newhope, Richland Community Development Group (RCDG), and the City of Mansfield are the organizations that have worked together to create this special park. This $5.4 million campaign has already raised $3.5 million with $1 million in gifts pending. The fundraisers are now focused on raising $750,000 specifically for the Sky Tower and shaded benches.

The park is in the center of the City of Mansfield off Hillcrest Street.  Once the park is open, security at the park will be in place 24 hours a day.

Gift checks for the Sky Tower and shaded benches may be sent to PARK-RCDG, in care of Newhope, 314 Cleveland Avenue, Mansfield, OH 44902.  Donors may designate Sky Tower on the check’s “memo” line.

For further information on the Sky Tower Campaign, which is part of the Community Park for All Campaign, please contact Susan Gentille, funding developer for C-Harris Consultants at susgentille@embarqmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: The centerpiece of new park will be 26-foot-high Sky Tower,