DETROIT (WWJ) Restoring the boat house? Opening an outdoor cafe? Extending the beach?
These are just a few of the 11 projects the community can rank in a new public survey that seeks input on how to improve Belle Isle Park in Detroit.
"We’re looking forward to hearing from people all across the city of Detroit and beyond about how we can make this treasured destination better for everyone," Tom Bissett, Urban District Supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Belle Isle Conservancy are asking the public to rank the large-scale projects in order of importance.
Beach: Extend the beach and renovate the bath house.
Boathouse: Restore and reactivate the Belle Isle Boathouse for public use.
Park Cafe: Create a park cafe at the Belle Isle White House
Canals and trails: Improve access to canals and create trails.
Carillon Peace Tower: Renovate the Nancy Brown Carillon Peace Tower.
Kids Row: Create a bigger, better Kids Row Playground.
Music band shell: Restore and activate the Remick Music Band Shell.
Piers and docks: Rebuild piers and docks for fishing and potential ferry service.
Sawmill: Create interpretive center at the historic sawmill.
Stable yard: Clean up and activate former stable yard.
Community and volunteer space: Create community and volunteer space at the historic police headquarters.
Park officials said the public survey is a "key component of a new Belle Isle strategic development plan."
The Strategic Development Plan Team created the list of projects after evaluating park buildings and spaces, reviewing public comments during a recent study and seeking staff opinions. According to park officials; a philanthropic partnership will likely be required for any of these projects to move forward.
Belle Isle is also working to open restrooms, keep the bridge open, slow vehicle traffic, and improve trash pickup; park officials said.
The survey remains active through Labor Day.