DETROIT – The Department of Natural Resources put nearly $12 million into facilities on Belle Isle over the past year, and saw attendance at some of those facilities more than double, officials said in wrapping up the first year of the state overseeing operations on the Detroit city park.
The first anniversary also brings the first month of requiring all vehicles entering the park to carry a recreation passport.
Among the changes the DNR brought in the first year was improvements to restroom facilities, a new youth swimming area and consistent operation of the park’s fountain.
The city had not kept track of general visitors to the park, so the more than 2 million logged by the department represents the first accurate attendance count, but among individual attractions, visitors counts were up between 125 percent (for the aquarium) and 89 percent (for the Dossin Great Lakes Museum). Officials noted the latter was closed for part of the year for renovations.
The DNR also praised the assistance it received from other state departments and form the general public. The park logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours over the past year.
“Partnerships are absolutely key to the long-term success of Belle Isle,” DNR Director Keith Creagh said in a statement. “It’s exciting to see everyone coming together for the betterment of this natural resources gem, and gratifying to watch that hard work result in a world-class Belle Isle visitor experience.”
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