The Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation supports recreational opportunities that promote health, inclusion, and community connection. From parks, trails, and outdoor spaces to youth sports, community events, and accessible play areas, these investments help residents of all ages stay active and engaged. By partnering with the City and local organizations, SHACF helps create welcoming spaces and programs that bring families, friends, and neighbors together. These efforts also help strengthen neighborhood pride and provide safe, enjoyable places for residents to spend time outdoors. Through these investments, SHACF helps ensure that recreation remains an important part of a healthy and vibrant community.
Dodge Park 5K Run
SHACF is proud to support the Dodge Park 5K Run, a community event that encourages residents of all ages and abilities to stay active, enjoy Dodge Park, and come together for a shared experience. By helping make this event possible, SHACF supports a fun and welcoming tradition that promotes healthy lifestyles, family participation, and community pride. The Dodge Park 5K Run brings neighbors, local organizations, runners, and walkers together while showcasing one of Sterling Heights’ most valued recreational spaces.
City Ice Rink
SHACF supports the Dodge Park Ice Rink, giving residents a place to enjoy outdoor skating during the winter season. Located in the heart of Dodge Park, the refrigerated rink offers a fun and affordable activity for individuals, families, and friends, with free admission for Sterling Heights residents. The rink also creates opportunities for memorable community experiences, including holiday skating and special themed events. Sensory Friendly Sundays provide a quieter, more accessible skating experience with dimmed lights, no music, and skate trainers available for participants.
Play-Place Autism Special Needs Center
Did you know that 1 out of 68 children are effected by autism? Play-Place for Autistic Children was founded by Shell Jones and it gives families a welcoming, judgment-free place where children and individuals with autism and other special needs can play, learn, and connect. Its play-powered environment includes sensory and active spaces such as an art studio, reading fort, rock wall, swings, bounce house, computer café, and chalk room, allowing participants to explore activities at their own pace. Beyond open play, Play-Place offers summer camps, respite care, field trips, birthday celebrations, and sensory-friendly haircut appointments. The center creates meaningful opportunities for recreation, social interaction, and family support. SHACF’s support helps advance a local resource built around inclusion, acceptance, and the belief that every child deserves a place to belong.
City Dog Park
At the Sterling Heights Dog Park at 41801 Ryan Road, dogs have room to run, play, and socialize in a safe off-leash setting at Delia Park. The facility includes separate areas for all dogs and small dogs, along with secure fencing, picnic tables, water fountains, waste-bag dispensers, lighting, parking, and restrooms. With annual passes helping maintain a clean and responsible environment, the dog park gives pet owners a convenient place to spend time outdoors, meet fellow residents, and enjoy recreation alongside their four-legged family members.
City Youth Baseball, Softball, and Basketball
Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation gives young residents the opportunity to build skills, confidence, and lasting friendships through organized baseball, softball, and basketball leagues. The baseball and softball program includes T-ball and age-based divisions, with volunteer coaches, practices, games, an Opening Day celebration, an end-of-season event, and uniforms and shared equipment. Youth basketball offers a positive recreational environment where players can develop fundamentals, learn teamwork, and experience friendly competition through weekday practices and Saturday games. SHACF’s support helps strengthen access to these recreational opportunities for local families, encouraging healthy habits, sportsmanship, and community connection both on and off the field or court.
Sterling Heights Community Center
SHACF provided a new scoreboard at the Sterling Heights Community Center which reflects the importance of quality amenities in creating a positive recreational experience. SHACF’s contribution helped provide a clear, reliable way for participants and spectators to follow games, celebrate team accomplishments, and stay connected to the action. While focused on one meaningful improvement, this investment adds lasting value to the Community Center’s athletic spaces and the residents who use them.
City Skate Park
The Sterling Heights City Skate Park was built in 2018, and since then SHACF has provided support for continued improvements to this popular recreational space. Located at Dodge Park, the skate park gives skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter riders a dedicated place to practice, build confidence, and connect with others who share their interests. These investments help keep the park safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for young residents while supporting an active and inclusive recreational outlet in the community.
City Disc Golf Course
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Sterling Heights Parks and Recs
We have supported the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department in various ways over the past three decades, including most recently helping deliver a new vehicle to support daily operations and community programing. This ongoing partnership helps the department maintain the resources needed to serve residents, enhance public spaces, and provide recreational opportunities for all. Through investments in equipment, facilities, and programs, SHACF continues to support a Parks and Recreation system that strengthens quality of life throughout Sterling Heights.