What Should The Future Hold For Detroit's Belle Isle? Public Input Wanted

DETROIT (WWJ) - Seating will be limited this week at a pair of meetings to discuss plans for the future of Belle Isle.

Members of the public are invited Wednesday and Thursday evening to share what they think the popular park should provide as officials make plans for "Detroit's jewel."

Belle Isle Conservancy President Michelle Hodges said they're looking to hear what the community wants as part of their strategic planning process.

"Things like programs and events that park users would like to see take shape on the island, suggestions for what it would take to bring people to the island, issues related to access to the island," Hodges said. "What will make it the easiest and most welcoming?"

"...The study will have no value if the community doesn't have a voice and can't influence that future," she said.

Some eyebrows were raised back in the spring when ideas floated included hotels, cabins and restaurants. At that time Hodges told the Detroit Free Press that any ideas about brick-and-mortar lodging or widespread camping at the park aren't the kinds of concepts that will ultimately come to fruition.

Limited overnight camping on the 982-acre isle, however, is a possibility.

"People are leaning toward a place of solace," Hodges said. "You know, they like the natural environment...and different events that  really serve the youth of the community, the seniors of the community."

Hodges said she's hoping for a continued good relationship between the Conservancy and Detroit residents.

The first meeting is Wednesday, July 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Coleman Young Recreation Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr. (RSVP here). The second is Thursday, July 30, at Source Booksellers, 4240 Cass Ave., also from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (RSVP here).

Belle Isle became a state park last year as part of a cost-cutting effort for the city of Detroit. Under the terms of a 30-year lease, the state runs the park while Detroit retains ownership of the island.