MANSFIELD — There have been a lot of changes in the Mansfield Police Department in the last few months, including a new chief, Jason Bammann, and new assistant chief, Michael Napier.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the department’s annual “Bike-A-Palooza” community event.
The ninth version of the event is scheduled May 11 at North Lake Park, again offering the same fun at the facility off of West Fourth Street.
“Bike-A-Palooza” has taken place each year since its inception, cancelled only in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., based in the park pavilion at the 20-acre city park.
The best part — it’s all free to the public.
“Bike-A-Palooza” is a family festival hosted by the MPD, though it has a long list of co-sponsors.
It features a bike ride with a cop; bicycle safety rodeo; bicycle raffle; bike inspections; small bike repairs; bounce houses; family entertainment; food and the Mansfield Fire Department’s House of Hazards.
Even more activities for kids have been added this year.
Every child that registers will receive a free bike helmet and attendees are encouraged to participate in a bike ride with Mansfield police officers on the B&O Bike Trail, which will start at the end of the event.
Other community partners helping make “Bike-A-Palooza” possible this year include the City of Mansfield Parks & Recreation Dept.; Mansfield City Council; Police Athletic League; Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #32; Lexington Moose 2511; The Ohio State Reformatory Historical Museum and Warren Rupp Inc.
Additional partners are Kokosing; Mansfield Fire Department; Der Dutchman; Metal Conversions; Jacobs Excavating; OCSEA Chapter 7010 members from the Mansfield Correctional Institution; Haring Realty; International Association of Fire Fighters Local 266; Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development; and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
