Sterling Heights parks staff described recent improvements to an island park that include replacing a deteriorating pedestrian bridge with a culvert, installing a gravel path around the island and adding recreational amenities such as picnic tables, benches and trash cans.

Parks staff said the culvert was installed after a structural review showed the previous bridge was failing. “We went through a study of our pedestrian bridges, about 8 years ago. This 1 came up as being, being faulty structurally,” a parks staff member said. The staff member said the old bridge was removed and “we put in a culvert, similar to the culvert you'll see on Shoreline Drive.”

City staff described the new gravel pathway as a feature intended to increase everyday use. “We ended up, adding a gravel pathway around the island, which is an, which is a feature that the neighbors will like,” a parks staff member said, adding that the path “gives the island some use and it's a beautiful walking path.”

Another parks staff member described broader goals for the project: improving maintenance access and emergency-responder access, and expanding recreational opportunities. “To have an island in the middle of the city ... and being able to kind of take it and provide that additional access which not only gives access to our residents but also to our emergency responders ... now gives us an opportunity to truly maintain and operate this park the way it should be and also providing new recreational opportunities whether, walking, biking, jogging,” the staff member said. The staff member also described water access for small craft and fishing: “We have created ways for fishing to occur. We have created ways for, people to come over on a canoe, a kayak, or a paddle boat as well to utilize the island,” and said additional amenities will be added.

Staff characterized the culvert installation as a long-term fix; they said the culvert will provide “many, many years of longevity.” The transcript did not specify a construction timeline, project cost or funding source. The meeting record contained no formal motions or votes on this item.

Why it matters: The changes are intended to increase public access and make routine maintenance and emergency access easier, which staff said will allow the city to operate and maintain the island park more effectively and offer new recreational options for nearby residents.

What remains unspecified: staff did not provide a project budget, funding sources, an exact timeline for remaining amenities, or details on any required permits or approvals.