What to do with Belle Isle?

[K-slice]

You have to wonder if they assumed the city wasn't just out of money but was mismanaging the island and they could maintain it for a lot less money than they thought. As others have stated, there are a lot more activities -golf, water slides, playground equipment, tons of large picnics, etc. than a regular state park and along with aging infrastructure the upkeep is huge.

Most of those are gone, waterside removed, golf is gone, there's one playground that I know of, picnic areas consist of mowed fields of weeds.

The beach is a big draw in the summertime. It's frequently packed on weekends, even with the bathroom being a place I would never use.

Renovate what's there, make it the gem it should be, then look to adding more appropriate recreational opportunities for visitors.

And plant some more damn trees!!!

[Richard]

Most of those are gone, waterside removed, golf is gone, there's one playground that I know of, picnic areas consist of mowed fields of weeds.

The beach is a big draw in the summertime. It's frequently packed on weekends, even with the bathroom being a place I would never use.

Renovate what's there, make it the gem it should be, then look to adding more appropriate recreational opportunities for visitors.

And plant some more damn trees!!!

I am sure it was not originally built out as the end result,more so by adding things as time progressed.

Thats the problem,we think in the here and now while cities are in it for the long game,every time we make decisions based in the here and now it’s like a pair of scissors cutting another piece of the fabric out.

Look at all the negatives based on the here and now,slam highways through,tear down historic buildings for parking lots,yank up street car lines,destroying entire neighborhoods in the hopes of attracting commerce that never came.

It is spilled milk now but the city could have done the same thing it did in the beginning,little by little,but people were hoping for instant gratification in the park.

I think it could still be made into a star location like it was,I am just not convinced that the state has it in them to dedicate the focus it needs,because it is another park amongst others fighting for time and money.

I am kinda thinking it needs a dedicated board of volunteers overseeing the island in order to be able to give it the focus it needs.

I do not know enough about the other state parks but this seems to me anyways a massive undertaking in management and organization verses the other parks?

In all fairness on the states side,the last year or so would not count,but the previous 6 ?

Maybe the state needs help in the organization of it all?