Maple Lake Urban Soccer Park Project

This is BIG for Our Community!

Mansfield, Ohio, is at a pivotal moment. Our community has faced challenges with youth engagement, limited recreational opportunities, and disinvestment in public spaces. But at Be Elite, we believe transformation begins when we invest in both people and place.

Over the past year, Be Elite has adopted Maple Lake Park as our home base, a space we are reimagining as a hub for community and connection. Instead of pursuing a downtown facility, we’ve chosen to activate an existing public space to make a lasting neighborhood impact.

Our first phase began with a $4,500 campaign (we had 17 Donors), which allowed us to partner with Urban Soccer Parks to design a roadmap for developing two high-quality, multi-use soccer fields. Each field costs $101,967, representing a major step toward our long-term vision of transforming Maple Lake Park into a safe, welcoming destination for families and youth.

This summer, we hosted our first-ever soccer camps at the park, training 52 kids (10 different school districts) ages 7–13 over two sessions led by professional coach Bruno Vargas. We also had a community night to bring about awareness where we had 70+ people show up. We launched weekly community soccer nights, where players ranging from ages 7 to 63 gathered every Tuesday for eight weeks. These programs have already proven what’s possible when we bring people together around purpose and play.

Summer Camp TrainingSummer Camp Training

Discussing Character TraitsCoach Bruno Instructing 

Our broader goal goes beyond sports. Be Elite is committed to developing character and leadership programming that helps young people grow both on and off the field. By activating Maple Lake Park, we are not just building fields, we’re building a safer, stronger community. Studies show that engaged, active spaces reduce crime and foster connection, and we’re already seeing signs of that change.

Group Picture after Week 2 of Community Soccer Night

Momentum is growing: Skate Ohio plans to invest $12,000 to implement a micro-skate park at Maple Lake Park’s tennis courts, and other local upgrades are underway. Together, these efforts are revitalizing a park that had long been overlooked.

$101,967 will fund the first field at Maple Lake Park. This is more than a field, it’s a foundation for hope, health, and community renewal. 

Renderings of Fields

Close Up Picture of Fields

Accurate Footprint of How Many Fields We Can FitNight Time View with Solar Lighting

Who We Have and Will Continue To Serve

We will primarily serve the youth of Richland County, Ohio, and particularly those who currently lack access to safe and well-maintained recreational facilities.

1. Children and Teenagers: We will provide a positive and structured environment where youth can engage in sports, fitness activities, and personal development programs. It will serve as a space for kids to stay active, develop their skills, and build friendships.

2. At-Risk Youth: The project specifically aims to offer a constructive outlet for at-risk youth, reducing the likelihood of negative behavior by providing mentorship, character development, and leadership programs.

3. Families and the General Community: We will also serve families by offering green spaces for picnics, play areas for younger children, and multiple areas for community events. It will be a place where families can come together, engage in healthy activities, and strengthen their bonds.

4. Local Schools and Sports Programs: We will serve as a resource for local schools, providing a location for after-school programs, team practices, and community sports leagues. Schools can use the space for field trips, events and extracurricular activities that promote physical and mental well-being.

5. Businesses and Community Organizations: Local businesses and organizations will benefit by partnering with us for events, sponsorships, and volunteering opportunities, helping to foster a stronger sense of community and economic growth in the area.

Ultimately, this park will serve as a unifying force for the entire community, creating a safe and vibrant space where youth and families can thrive.