Mount Clemens names Shadyside Park basketball court for late player Tanisha Stevens

The Mount Clemens City Commission unanimously approved a petition to name the basketball court at Shadyside Park posthumously in honor of Tanisha Stevens.

City staff briefed commissioners that Stevens was a Mount Clemens resident who attended Mount Clemens High School and was named Macomb County player of the year in 1989, 1990 and 1991 before graduating in 1992; she went on to play at the University of Michigan and later at Lynn University in Florida. Staff also noted Stevens passed away in 2016 at age 42 and that the petitioners will place an honorary plaque at the court under guidelines approved by the Assistant City Manager and Public Services Director.

Speakers during public comment included Tommy Barnes (petition submitter, referenced in staff remarks), Thomas Burns and Keisha Harrison, who described Stevens’ local legacy and supported the naming. Thomas Burns said he grew up nearby and cited childhood memories of Stevens’ family's kindness; Keisha Harrison described a lifelong friendship and endorsed the recognition.

Commissioners praised the petition and the community effort. Commissioner Ford clarified a biographical detail about Stevens’ college transfer following an accident that left her with one eye but noted her continuing commitment to the sport. The motion to approve the honorary naming passed by unanimous roll call.

Next steps: petitioners will place an honorary plaque at the basketball court according to city guidelines administered by the Assistant City Manager and Public Services Director.