James C Nelson Park — Attraction in Sterling Heights

Nelson Park is ok for family reunions and other social gatherings. Be advised that you will have to book a good 6 months in advance to reserve your date. This way, the pavillion area is accessible to your group. I am giving it 4 stars because I live near the park and feel the people who visit / use the park should take better responsibility for cleaning up their mess; and the City could do more to monitor. Additionally, there is a creek that runs on the east side of the entrance and community building, which is hidden behind the tree-line. It was soooo laden with trash that it disgusted me to see that the City wasn't even doing much to check on the status of the Park's overall cleanliness. There are deer and other animals that depend on this water source; and I'd like to know where our millage / tax dollars are going to help preserve our small local community parks. Bottom line, I feel more monitoring and insuring the cleanliness of this park and it's outlying area such as the creek on the property, needs to take place. Otherwise, there is plenty fun...

If you are a bicyclist, runner, or walker you will absolutely love the asphalt trail at Nelson Park. It is smooth as glass, and there are no tree roots upsetting the asphalt anywhere along the trail system. When I went there last, there was not a stick or leaf on the trail, as if it had been cleaned off just for me. I had logged hundreds of miles on this trail with my Cannondale in the late 90s, yet had not ridden the trail in over 20 years... and it was better than I could have ever remembered it! There are so many wonderful elevation changes and tight corners, as well as foot bridges that are always a pleasure to ride over at speed. If you have never experienced the trail system at Nelson Park, then you most certainly should go there and experience it yourself. You will not be disappointed. Whether walking, running or bicycling, you will certainly remember the experience and very...

I wished I could give it 4 or 5 stars, but there a few pieces that have broken plastic (see pics), making them unusable. The lack of shade over the play structures makes the sides almost impossible to use during sunny days (most are metal). There are 2 different play areas, one good for tots, and one good for school aged kids. They are across the park from each other, so not convenient if you have different ages in the group. There is a soccer field a and a sand volleyball court. Lots of green space with a walking trail by the woods and creek. I don't think this will be on our...