The City of Sterling Heights is committed to community engagement, and the oversized checkerboard was initiated as a place-making opportunity that creates an area for residents to gather while drawing young people to the Sterling Heights Public Library.
“Installations like this unique life-sized game are prominent and visual, making them an instant draw for those walking or driving by,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “We hope that exciting opportunities like this for fun on the fly will encourage even more community engagement with our library.”
The oversized-checkerboard area will provide an opportunity for visitors to play chess, checkers, and other oversized games including a connect game and tumbling blocks game. These will be open for use during library hours, weather permitting: Monday – Thursday, 10 am – 8:30 pm; Friday, 1-4:30 pm and Saturday, 10 am-4:30 pm. The location is an extension of the Library’s Children’s Art Garden where residents can enjoy a visit to the Library, read a good book, play a game, and connect with other community members.
“This project was truly a team effort involving not only the Library, but also our Facilities and Engineering Departments. We came together to support one of the library’s main objectives, which is to connect with our youngest residents in a way that will encourage a lifelong relationship with our library and the many resources it offers,” said Library Director Tammy Turgeon. “We are hopeful that new and positive experiences like the checkerboard will help create and foster those lasting relationships with our residents.”
Place-making installations like the oversized checkerboard are an effective way to engage with our residents and encourage them take advantage of the hundreds of programs and educational opportunities our library provides each year.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 20 @ 6 pm
Where: South side of Sterling Heights Public Library, adjacent to library outdoor courtyard (the library’s address is 40255 Dodge Park Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313)
Media with questions or those looking to schedule an interview can contact Community Relations Director Melanie Davis at (586) 446-2471 or emailmdavis@sterling-heights.net.