The City of Sterling Heights celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Pickleball Facility on Thursday, Oct. 23, marking the start of a transformative project that will bring year-round recreation, activity, and community connection to residents and visitors alike.
Located at 35630 Van Dyke Ave, the facility is part of the City’s Pathway to Play & Preservation millage initiative and represents a creative reimagining of an existing commercial building into a vibrant, sustainable recreation hub. Once complete, the site will feature multiple dedicated indoor pickleball courts and table tennis areas, enhanced lighting, spectator seating, and program space to serve players of all ages and abilities.
As part of the project scope, the City purchased the property for $2.5 million. Planned interior and exterior renovations are budgeted not to exceed $7.5 million, aligning with the millage’s focus on fiscally responsible, sustainable investments.
This project will also be the first municipally operated pickleball facility in Metro Detroit, positioning Sterling Heights as a regional leader in accessible and inclusive recreation.
What makes the project especially significant is its focus on repurposing an existing structure that will breathe new life into a local building while reducing environmental impact and maximizing public investment.
“Every project under the Pathway to Play and Preservation millage is an opportunity to reimagine what’s possible,” said Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “By transforming an existing building instead of starting from scratch, we’re creating sustainable recreational opportunities that elevate the future of Sterling Heights while honoring our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and community health.”
Following the ceremonial groundbreaking, members of the Sterling Heights City Council participated in a lighthearted rally on a temporary pickleball court to celebrate the sport’s growing popularity and highlight the excitement surrounding the project.
“Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and that’s absolutely true here in Sterling Heights,” said Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langlois. “This facility represents more than just new courts, it’s an investment in wellness, connection, and sustainability. Repurposing a building within our city shows how we can meet community needs while being responsible stewards of public resources.”
Funded through the voter-approved Pathway to Play & Preservation millage, the new facility joins a growing list of projects designed to preserve open space, enhance recreation opportunities, and activate underused areas throughout the city. Construction is expected to be completed in July 2026.
For updates on the pickleball facility project and other millage initiatives, visit sterlingheights.gov/pathways.