Matthew Stafford, wife open new community center in Detroit

The Say Detroit Play Center in Lipke Park was officially dedicated Monday

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly opened their community center on the city’s east side. (WDIV)

DETROIT – Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and his wife Kelly opened their community center on the city’s east side.

The Say Detroit Play Center in Lipke Park was officially dedicated Monday (April 1) in honor of the Staffords on Van Dyke Avenue north of 7 Mile Road.

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It’s a new place to play and learn inside the Say Detroit Play Center, which is an area that needs it.

The Kelly and Matthew Stafford and Friends Educational Center includes classrooms, learning labs, and a theater.

The Staffords have a long-standing partnership with Say Play Detroit and provided $1 million for the expansion.

“What we can do for the people around here, what we can do for the kids around here, is an amazing thing and something that I’m really proud to be a part of,” said Matthew.

“We were raised by the Michigan community,” said Kelly. “We were kids when we came here. You guys groomed us to be the people we are today, and we are so honestly proud to give back to the community that gave us so much.”

Leaders at “Say Detroit” told Local 4 that the new building will allow them to expand services to adults as well.

Plans are being made to include vocational and technical training classes in the new center.


About the Author

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.

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