Parks & Recreation Sterling Heights — Attraction in Sterling Heights

Beautiful park at 42700 Utica Road… but one staff member made the experience HELL. I had been there with my close friend (we’re both AFAB) and needed to use the restroom. When I went into the Nature Center I was IMMEDIATELY blocked by a staff member (middle age/older heavier set blonde woman in a Sterling Heights Rec Dept polo shirt, badge (turned backwards) on a land yard) who had her arms out blocking the entrance and yelled at me that “this building is closed, only open for private events!” There we’re several families with children at the park that day, for some event that was going on with outdoor crafts, etc. So I explained that I just needed to use the bathroom.

She told me I wasn’t allowed in the building and “we don’t have restrooms for your kind here.” I asked if there were any portapotties around instead and she said “No, and you need to leave NOW.” She started walking forward with her arms up at me and I turned and walked out, met back with my friend and we left.

I’ve been thinking about this all day, trying to figure out what she had meant by the “your kind” comment and then it clicked. There had been an instance earlier where some random man had come up to me when I’d arrived (before meeting with my friend) and kept bugging me, asking if I was single, for my number, etc. I finally said very clearly “I’m not interested in straight men!” And he finally got the hint and buggered off. There were people setting up tables for the event right next to where I was standing when this happened, so I’m wondering if she heard me say that.

Best case scenario, she was just very rude and doesn’t understand personal space of physical boundaries. Worst case scenario, she’s a homophobic park worker abusing her authority and intentionally used her mass to be physically confrontational. Either way, this was a horrible experience and it sucks even more because this was the Nature Center I had so many fond memories from as a child. I’ve finally moved back after living out of state and this was my first time back to this park in over 20 years.

The trees have grown up but a certain staff member...

A great place to go to cool off!

The staff is great and was always going around keeping the grounds clean throughout the two hours I was there.

The water is kept cold so you actually cool off rather than be splashed with bath water.

I saw people with food and coolers, I wasn't aware that was allowed but I'll bring mine next time :) Plenty of garbage cans too.

Also, the is only one way in and one way out and the staff won't allow the children to leave without an adult which is great.

I would suggest getting there early if you plan to spend a long period of time there. The sitting areas are plentiful, but only about half are covered. People covet the shaded areas, so much so that I didn't see a single person share spots. I moved from a bench to a table when it opened and I shared it with 2 other families.

Other than that, it was a great time! I highly recommend the splash park and am glad...

WONDERFUL FAMILY FUN! This is the best city family fun place for the summer. The splash park is $5 if not a sterling heights resident which is very reasonable as its for whole day! You can bring a picnic lunch. There's nice fake grass turf that is exceptionally clean to lay a towel or blanket or bring some chairs or there are some Adirondack chairs there already. Huge umbrellas for shade but lots of sun too. I saw everyone from little babies to 90+ year old grandparents in their suits splashing around and going down the slide. Very well maintained, no pushing or shoving, well controlled line safety at the slide so all kids big and small are safe and treated equal. Myself, my 10 yr old niece and 80 yr old mom spent a wonderful afternoon. And on Thursdays from 3 to 8 is a fabulous farmers market in same lot. Wow congrats to sterling heights! Great job!!!...