Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

Belle Isle Aquarium Closed, For Now

Yazaki, Greektown Pitch In To Save Historic Site

POSTED: Monday, April 4, 2005
UPDATED: 11:05 am EDT April 4, 2005

The Belle Isle Aquarium officially closed on Sunday afternoon, but supporters to keep it open say the fight is not yet over.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced the structure would close as the city works to overcome a $230 million budget shortfall.
AQUARIUM

The Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium organization has been trying to persuade city officials to keep the 101-year-old aquarium open, Local 4 reported. Kilpatrick gave the group until April 3 to raise the $500,000 in annual expenses to keep the structure open.

Last week, Yazaki North America and Greektown Casino pitched in large donations to help preserve the aquarium. The Friends of the Belle Isle Aquarium also held a benefit dinner and silent auction on Friday night to raise funds.

The aquarium was initially scheduled to close in March, but the organization was given a 60-day extension in February to establish a fundraising plan.

The organization has now submitted a proposal to Kilpatrick and City Council to lease the aquarium as a nonprofit. The group claims on its Web site that if approved, the nonprofit status would alleviate the financial burden on the city while maintaining and improving services the site offers.

City officials cited a decline in attendance and a cost to taxpayers as additional reasons for the closure.

Hot Topics

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Learn the top five signs of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

It is important to make sure your will is sorted out in the best way possible for you and your family. Here are ten things to consider when writing a will. More

Looking for a qualified service professional to help you with your next project? Follow these ten steps and get the job done right. More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    Do you agree with the decision to fire Detroit police chief James Barren?