The City of Sterling Heights celebrated a series of enhancements to Lakeside Island Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 21, marking a new chapter for one of the community’s most distinctive outdoor spaces.
What began as a plan to replace an aging bridge that had been in place for decades evolved into a broader effort to enhance accessibility, safety, and recreation for residents.
The new bridge offers an inviting entryway to the island and provides the structural capacity to accommodate emergency and maintenance vehicles allowing access that was previously impossible due to the former bridge’s limitations.
In addition to the new bridge, Lakeside Island Park now features a 0.4-mile non-motorized trail loop, improved fishing areas, and enhanced water access for paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks, allowing visitors to reach the island directly. The project also included bank stabilization work to protect against erosion and ensure the long-term sustainability of the park’s shoreline.
“The completion of the Lakeside Island Park improvements represents yet another investment in creating connected, accessible, and beautiful public spaces for our residents,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski. “This project strengthens access to one of our community’s most unique natural features and showcases our continued commitment to recreation, sustainability, and quality of life across the City.”
Future enhancements are planned, including new picnic tables, seating, and recreational amenities that will continue to enhance Lakeside Island Park’s role as a destination for relaxation, exploration, and community gathering.
As Sterling Heights’ only true island, the park is home to a variety of wildlife and native plant species. Its interior remains a preserved natural habitat, balancing recreation with conservation.
“Lakeside Island Park has always been a hidden gem in our community, and this project helps it shine even brighter,” said Sterling Heights Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langlois. “By improving access, strengthening safety, and expanding recreation options, we’ve created a space that invites more people to experience the park’s beauty and tranquility.”
The $1.9 million Lakeside Island Park project included the new bridge crossing, shoreline stabilization, and construction of the non-motorized path throughout the park. The work was made possible through collaboration between the City’s Engineering Department, Parks & Recreation Department, design consultants Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC), and contractors MK Construction.