Belle Isle Neglect

[JRiordan]

They are currently restoring the sawmill.
https://www.manisteenews.com/lifesty...photo-20558308

Also, they are doing ground work near the beach. From the looks of it, I'm guessing sidewalks.

That's the Iron Bell Trail. https://youtu.be/OJUE7X4s2Gs

[Gistok]

They are currently restoring the sawmill.
https://www.manisteenews.com/lifesty...photo-20558308

Thanks for that info Maof! I had always wondered what that decaying jumble of buildings next to the aquarium was. Now we know what part of that complex is.

Belle Isle has a LOT of buildings that are just not found in other state parks... that require unique challenges to be brought back to life... and that means making the most of a limited amount of money.

So it looks as though when we get frustrated with a lack of visible improvements to the island... we need to look at the bigger picture.

[detroitbob]

So it looks as though when we get frustrated with a lack of visible improvements to the island... we need to look at the bigger picture.

its time the "bigger picture" view takes the lead...40 plus years of neglect and abuse won't be cured in 5 years...

[Satiricalivory]

What about this building next door? https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3384...2!8i6656?hl=en

Is this part of the saw mill? It clearly needs work.

[Gistok]

What about this building next door? https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3384...2!8i6656?hl=en

Is this part of the saw mill? It clearly needs work.

I believe [and someone will correct me if I am wrong] that those were the Belle Isle horse stables. Can't remember if they were for Police horses, or for general riding on the island.

But they are an attractive assembly of buildings... and would be nice to be restored and repurposed for another use, since horses are no longer likely on the island.

[Maof]

Gistok is correct. It's a beautiful building. If I remember correctly, they did repair work on the roof around 2011/2012. Not much has been done to it since as far as I can tell.