Sterling Heights names Dodge Park stage for longtime community relations director Patricia Lehman

Sterling Heights names Dodge Park stage for longtime community relations director Patricia Lehman City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution renaming the Dodge Park amphitheater the Patricia M. Lehman Amphitheater and to add a commemorative plaque, council members said at a meeting before an expected crowd for the upcoming Sterlingfest. The resolution recognizes Patricia (Pat) Lehman as the city's first community relations director and credits her with creating or expanding recurring events, media channels and civic programs that shaped local public life. City Manager Mark Vanderpool introduced the item and linked Lehman to Sterlingfest, saying she was "instrumental in developing Sterling Fest over the years from the very beginning." Melanie Davis, the city's current community relations director, told the council that Lehman "was the city's first community relations director" and described initiatives Lehman championed including Sterlingfest, SHTV, the public art program and the ethnic advisory committee. Jeff Layman, Lehman's son, told the council he was representing the family and said his mother's work "profoundly shaped Sterling Heights into a vibrant community." A recorded excerpt of Lehman's remarks about community relations also played for the council. Why it matters: Council members said naming the amphitheater recognizes long-running civic programming that draws residents to the city's parks and festivals. City leaders tied Lehman's work to visitor draws and to a larger effort to maintain property values and city amenities. The council motion to adopt the resolution was made by Councilmember Roski and supported; council voted in favor and the mayor declared the motion carried. Councilmembers who spoke during the item described Lehman as a driver of events and civic pride and noted family members were present for a photo. Background and details: Presentations described Lehman's role in launching and professionalizing Sterlingfest, establishing SHTV and expanding the city's community relations capacity from a single employee into a multi-division program. Melanie Davis said Lehman helped establish the city's public art program and neighborhood engagement efforts; Jeff Layman detailed Lehman's work on the Upton House and fundraising for civic projects. The council approved placement of a bronze plaque on the amphitheater's structure; staff said final wording and design remain in development. Council members urged residents to attend Sterlingfest, which city staff previewed in the manager's report earlier in the meeting. Discussion vs. formal action: Council formally adopted the renaming resolution. Discussion focused on Lehman's accomplishments and family members' remarks; no separate or follow-up policy action was requested. Ending: Council took photos with Lehman's family after the vote and scheduled no further action on the item beyond plaque design and installation. The resolution and plaque placement mark an administrative commemoration of Lehman's career.