The City of Sterling Heights is hosting two community input forums at the Sterling Heights Senior Center to solicit feedback on the Land Use Master Plan and the Parks, Recreation and Non-Motorized Master Plan.
The City of Sterling Heights is hosting two community input forums at the Sterling Heights Senior Center to solicit feedback on the Land Use Master Plan and the Parks, Recreation and Non-Motorized Master Plan. Specifically, the City is hoping residents will weigh-in on a proposed new community center and the addition of numerous other placemaking initiatives that could be added to upgrade the quality of life for Sterling Heights residents.
The first Community Input Forum, set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, will be held to establish a vision for the future through goals, objectives and strategies. The second forum will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 and focused on formulating planning proposals related to redevelopment, land use, recreation and non-motorized networks.
In August, the City announced it had begun work with Detroit-based consulting firm Wade Trim to update its Master Land Use and Parks & Recreation Plan and create the first-ever non-motorized transportation plan. With Sterling Heights’ limited area for new growth, the City seeks to create a sustainable future through land use and parks and recreation development.
During the City’s annual strategic planning session in January, City administrators unveiled key placemaking components that will be integral to creating an exceptional quality of life for residents. Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langlois unveiled a conceptual plan that proposes multiple new venues designed to provide all residents year-round fun, including a centerpiece 100,000 square foot community center to be incorporated into the existing City Campus. To meet the recreational needs of a City with more than 130,000 residents, the new community center will feature four multisport gymnasiums, five dedicated dance and fitness rooms, a walking track, half a dozen meeting and community gathering spaces and much more.
Other highlights of the plan include exciting placemaking projects such as a splash park, a pavilion to house the new farmers’ market, ice skating rink, skate park, mini-soccer field, and a long-awaited dog park. Langlois also emphasized the critical need to make capital improvements to the City’s five major and 26 neighborhood parks.
Residents who cannot attend the meetings in-person can still give input by going to www.communityremarks.com/sterlingheights and posting comments, questions, concerns or input.
The Sterling Heights Senior Center is located at 40200 Utica Rd., Sterling Heights. To learn more about the Master Plan project, go to www.sterling-heights.net/masterplan. For more information, contact the city’s Community Relations Department at (586) 446-CITY (2489) or City Planner Chris McLeod at (586) 446-2364.