DETROIT – Belle Isle is entering a new chapter, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) along with the Belle Isle Conservancy wants visitors and community members to help shape its future.
Amanda Treadwell, urban area field planner for the DNR, said the survey launched in early July and will remain open through Labor Day weekend. It invites the public to weigh in on 11 major projects proposed for the park’s next 10 years.
“These are big projects that will take some lift to get them going,” Treadwell said. “We’re looking for support from community stakeholders to help us prioritize where we invest in the park’s facilities.”
The projects focus on enhancing existing cultural and natural resources, not creating new ones. They include expanding and improving Belle Isle beach, upgrading parking and the beach house, restoring the Remech Band Shell for live music, developing a kids’ play area called Kids Row, improving canal access, expanding trails, and redeveloping the boathouse as a public space with food concessions and marina events.
“We want to hear from over 5,000 people this summer about what matters most to them,” Treadwell said.
According to Treadwell, DNR has already invested more than $120 million over the past decade in critical infrastructure upgrades, such as fixing roofs, HVAC systems, drainage, and sewer lines.
Now, the focus shifts to strategic improvements driven by public priorities.
A recent study on multi-modal transportation around the park highlighted the aquarium and conservatory as the most popular year-round destination. Plans include creating a central hub or commons there with better wayfinding and a welcome center.
The survey is designed as a community budgeting exercise, allowing people to select their top five projects online.
Some projects, like the boathouse redevelopment, involve partnerships with private developers and the city of Detroit. The DNR is negotiating long-term leases and agreements to move that forward.
Visitors like James Elliot appreciate the opportunity to share their opinions.
“I think it’s great that they’re directly asking the public,” he said. He supports restoring the band shell for live music.
DNR encourages everyone to participate in the survey, whether they live nearby or visit occasionally. The input will help guide investments and programming to create new memories for families and visitors alike.
The survey closes after Labor Day. You can view it by clicking here.