DNR Seeks Input On Upgrades To Belle Isle's Athletic Complex

DETROIT (AP/WWJ) - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking input from the public on future improvements at Belle Isle's athletic complex.

An open house is planned from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Belle Isle casino.

The DNR is in the beginning stages of planning improvements to the complex, scheduled to be phased in over the next few years. The event will include roundtable discussions about ideas for the athletic fields and courts on the island park in the Detroit River.

The athletic complex includes the 36-acre island Athletic Field as well as the Athletic Shelter, which was built in 1898. The complex has facilities for softball, baseball, football, soccer, rugby, tennis and track. The park also has handball and racquetball courts.

Belle Isle became a state park last year as part of a cost-cutting effort for Detroit, which had struggled for years to maintain what remained of the island's amenities. Under the terms of a 30-year lease, the state runs the park while Detroit retains ownership of the island.

[Get Belle Isle park information here].

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