Belle Isle

**Stinger4me** · April-03-10, 08:17 PM

Haven't been to the island in many moons. Are the riding stables at the east end of the island still intact? They were the home of the Al Knapp Riding Stables. Thanks for the help with this.

**Kathleen** · April-03-10, 09:20 PM

Unfortunately the riding stables are long gone!! Following a fire a few years back, they were razed. The Henry Ford did manage to salvage some pieces.

Mauser's DetroitFunk thread on Days Gone By includes a few of the stables in its last days. http://www.detroitfunk.com/?p=197&cpage=1

Buy American · April-03-10, 09:59 PM

I have two bricks from the stables and one from Hudsons. A little piece of history loaded with memories for me.

**5speedz34** · April-03-10, 10:10 PM

Off topic but I've heard that Belle Isle is blocked off by DPD at 10pm. I just moved to Islandview and coming home around 10pm I drove onto Belle Isle and people where everywhere. The whole East Side of the island had cars lined up blaring music and having fun. Too bad everyone was littering though......traffic even slowed down because of the amount of traffic.

Does the island actually shut down at 10? Maybe in the summer?

**Gannon** · April-03-10, 11:35 PM

They closed the island after ten during the Kwhyme administration, after his wife beat the hell out of his party-mates one night at the Boogian Mansion. [[thanks Mr. Purtain for the pun)

I suspect they did it to have the island to themselves, with no interfering spouses.

As you noticed, until Mayor Bing chooses to put the hammer down again, it seems to be open again. I suspect THAT has more to do with the police budget and focus, but it doesn't make complete sense since they still have to at least patrol when the maniacs are out there partying. It only took two cars and two or three officers to close off the entrance to the bridge...

**detroitdoc** · April-04-10, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by 5speedz34

Off topic but I've heard that Belle Isle is blocked off by DPD at 10pm. I just moved to Islandview and coming home around 10pm I drove onto Belle Isle and people where everywhere. The whole East Side of the island had cars lined up blaring music and having fun. Too bad everyone was littering though......traffic even slowed down because of the amount of traffic.

Does the island actually shut down at 10? Maybe in the summer?

Yes, the police close off the island and clear people out from Spring to Fall at 10 pm. The only people allowed on the island after 10 is members of the Detroit Yacht Club. If you show a Yacht Club member card, they allow you access to the island.

I am on the island regularly at different times all year long on my way to the Yacht Club. In the Spring/Summer the amount of people blocking the road, swearing, smoking pot, and generally acting like savages is enough to have made us start parking at Keens and taking the DYC shuttle to the Club.

I'm going to start a huge argument here, but I think they should charge a small fee for access to the island to stop what is going on. It's one thing to use the island and quite another to sit there all night smoking pot, screaming, blocking the roads, etc. Further, the police should patrol and keep traffic moving.The fee will help maintain the island and cut out what is going on there now.

In the past, it has taken us over and hour to get around the island simply due to people cruising at 2-3 mph, yelling at each other, stopping, etc.

I think every resident of the region should have access [[even if for a small fee) to the island and be able to enjoy the activities and beauty it offers. Currently, this is unable to happen and it's unfair to families from around Detroit.

The current patrons have and are continuing to destroy the island.

**detroitbred** · April-05-10, 09:35 AM

It seems to me a prefectly resaonable thing to do, to charge a small fee [[ prbably per person , so 8 people in a car can't only pay a single, few dollar amount ) for entry to Belle Isle. A city in Detroit financial situation can't possibly maintain it [[ or many other things ) properly. What kind of conditions would our metro or state parks be without the fees they charge? We charge addmission to museuems, etc. right? Why not Belle Isle?

**Len** · April-05-10, 10:07 AM

I think an admission fee would be a good idea for an island. I go there as often as I can, and although it's not as bad as some seem to think it's pretty obvious the some money to keep things from getting any more run down would be well spent. If such a fee was implemented it would be good to have some assurance that all of the money collected would go towards the island upkeep and not into other parts of the city fund. It would serve a dual purpose of raising money for the island as well as keeping track of who comes and goes.

I'd imagine there could be some sort of yearly pass option, and maybe some sort of discount for seniors, children, etc...like the state parks and metroparks. As a Ypsilantian I wouldn't even mind if city residents got in at a lower rate than people from outside the city since we don't pay any local taxes.

Anything to make the island better. Damn I miss the aquarium.

**Gannon** · April-03-10, 11:38 PM

Plus, there were no railroad tracks on the island for the ex-Mayor's security detail to wreck cars on while driving drunk...another possible reason they chose to party there every night in private instead of on the mainland. Ahem.

I'd even guess the Big Diamond thought the island was in international waters, too, being right in the MIDDLE of the river and all.

Cheers

Buy American · April-04-10, 08:13 AM

What was once Detroits jewel is just another trash receptacle for those who have no respect for anything. Bing and the council need to set up some litter ordinances, noise ordinances, time ordinances and then enforce the ordinances...zero tolerance!
Families can't go over there to just enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful island anymore because of the rude youth and gangs that seemed to have taken over. In my opinion, a per person charge to go over the bridge...maybe that will deter some of the "trash".

LodgeDodger · April-04-10, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Buy American

What was once Detroits jewel is just another trash receptacle for those who have no respect for anything. Bing and the council need to set up some litter ordinances, noise ordinances, time ordinances and then enforce the ordinances...zero tolerance!
Families can't go over there to just enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful island anymore because of the rude youth and gangs that seemed to have taken over. In my opinion, a per person charge to go over the bridge...maybe that will deter some of the "trash".

The island is a little shabby-looking at this time of year. It's a winter's worth of "stuff" that has collected. If you're concerned about Belle Isle looking like a trash receptacle, plan to help with the clean up on Saturday, April 24th, 2010. [[see below)

I don't often encounter problems when visiting the island during the day. At night, that's when the problems begin. During the day, I see lots of families together.

From the FOBI site:

BELLE ISLE ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN UP – Saturday, April 24, 2010
FOBI annual Spring Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, April 24th from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Come help clean up the winter debris from Belle Isle. Volunteers will meet at the historic Belle Isle Casino at 9:00 am. Rakes, picks, and trash bags will be provided by the City of Detroit, whose officials are fully supporting this effort. Bring your boots and gloves along with your friends and relatives. All volunteer help is welcome. If you are not able to clean up, help is also needed with refreshments, shuttling volunteers and organizing the activities. Please RSVP by Thursday, April 22nd via phone or email to 313-331-7760 or fobi@sbcglobal.net

Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided to workers by the Friends of Belle Isle after the event at 1:00 pm on the steps of the Casino.

Certificates will be provided for students by the Friends of Belle Isle to fulfill community service requirements.

In case of rain, the rain date is May 1.

Why don't we have a meetup that day? DetroitYes! members can meet in a certain place and help with the cleanup! Who's with me?

**Eastside** · April-04-10, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by Buy American

What was once Detroits jewel is just another trash receptacle for those who have no respect for anything. Bing and the council need to set up some litter ordinances, noise ordinances, time ordinances and then enforce the ordinances...zero tolerance!
Families can't go over there to just enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful island anymore because of the rude youth and gangs that seemed to have taken over. In my opinion, a per person charge to go over the bridge...maybe that will deter some of the "trash".

Hey Buy American, not sure when you were last there, but most of the year I'm out there a couple of times week on my bike. In my observations, I don't see this Detroit jewel as "just another trash receptacle". In fact I see the opposite. The island is remarkably clean and well maintained considering the budget restraints Detroit is dealing with. Monday mornings seem to be the messiest and that makes sense considering the amount of people that use the park on weekends. Most, if not all of the trash is confined in the ares immediately surrounding trash cans which are usually over flowing. Clean up crews are out there in the early morning emptying the cans and picking up the surrounding areas.

I agree it does get noisy out there on weekends, but then again, it's a public park so you get all kinds of people including some that are rude, some that blast their music, etc., just like you would at Metro Beach or any other public park. There are many, quiet areas of the island where families can relax and enjoy an afternoon picnic. Check out the far east or west ends, few people, and lots of open space with great river views.

Enjoy!

**Hermod** · April-04-10, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Eastside

Hey Buy American, not sure when you were last there, but most of the year I'm out there a couple of times week on my bike. In my observations, I don't see this Detroit jewel as "just another trash receptacle". In fact I see the opposite. The island is remarkably clean and well maintained considering the budget restraints Detroit is dealing with. Monday mornings seem to be the messiest and that makes sense considering the amount of people that use the park on weekends. Most, if not all of the trash is confined in the ares immediately surrounding trash cans which are usually over flowing. Clean up crews are out there in the early morning emptying the cans and picking up the surrounding areas.

I agree it does get noisy out there on weekends, but then again, it's a public park so you get all kinds of people including some that are rude, some that blast their music, etc., just like you would at Metro Beach or any other public park. There are many, quiet areas of the island where families can relax and enjoy an afternoon picnic. Check out the far east or west ends, few people, and lots of open space with great river views.

Enjoy!

With only half the population in the city, Belle Isle should only have half the trash, half the rude people, and half the loud music that it had in 1950.

**Gannon** · April-05-10, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by Hermod

With only half the population in the city, Belle Isle should only have half the trash, half the rude people, and half the loud music that it had in 1950.

Wishful thinking my friend, at the very most.

Your logic is linear and doesn't include any number of factors, including the truth that many non-trash leaving, un-rude, non-loud people left the city BECAUSE of those who didn't have respect for anyone else...those folk who oddly demand it from everyone themselves!

Yeah, there does have to be some form of reset here...but any transition will be a very ugly thing. If those who MAKE the trash are forced somehow to return to clean it up...we may be able to teach a few of the worst how to respect, so they then will know when they can expect the same out of others.

And for those who are calling out 'pot' users, you have no clue. Not a one of the hemp users that I know are trashers and destroyers...indeed they are the exact opposite. So get off your damn high horse against those who enjoy getting high, because that substance is not the problem...not at all.

Cheers!

**Gannon** · April-05-10, 08:58 AM

I am very much against charging admission, but WOULD advocate each and every person who enters the island to have their ID captured, either left at the gate or scanned.

THAT would parse the good from the bad in a minute...AND cost the good citizens of the city not one dime more to use their jewel.

If they count the IDs scanned, they can know immediately at the end of every day that the island has been emptied, too.

Cheers

**Hermod** · April-05-10, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

Wishful thinking my friend, at the very most.
Your logic is linear and doesn't include any number of factors, including the truth that many non-trash leaving, un-rude, non-loud people left the city BECAUSE of those who didn't have respect for anyone else...those folk who oddly demand it from everyone themselves!

I was being sarcastic, Gannon. I fully agree that the dregs are what remain.

**Stinger4me** · April-04-10, 10:20 AM

The lower life forms may be a contributing factor for Detroit never returning to the city it enjoyed once upon a time. Some folks today show no signs of being raised by something other than another generation of lower life forms. It is a town I will choose not to visit unless I have plenty of protection and I doubt there is any reason to ever return to the Motor[[messed up) City. Belle Isle was a gem which many cities would have enjoyed, relished and taken good care to protect and preserve but that has not happened in Detroit.

**Gistok** · April-06-10, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by Stinger4me

It is a town I will choose not to visit unless I have plenty of protection and I doubt there is any reason to ever return to the Motor[[messed up) City.

You remind me of some of those folks who moved out past 25 Mile Rd., and boast that they "ain't been back in 30 years".... with the Silverdome sold... where are you going to go for your culture [[Monster Truck Rallies, Tractor Pulls and WWF Smackdowns)??

**detroitdoc** · April-07-10, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by Gistok

You remind me of some of those folks who moved out past 25 Mile Rd., and boast that they "ain't been back in 30 years".... with the Silverdome sold... where are you going to go for your culture [[Monster Truck Rallies, Tractor Pulls and WWF Smackdowns)??

LOL- I literally laughed out loud.

**Gannon** · April-07-10, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by Gistok

You remind me of some of those folks who moved out past 25 Mile Rd., and boast that they "ain't been back in 30 years".... with the Silverdome sold... where are you going to go for your culture [[Monster Truck Rallies, Tractor Pulls and WWF Smackdowns)??

No, if that were the case, he'd have said he only comes in for HoDown. Or is is HoeDown?! I always get 'em confused. One is a hooker distress call, the other an annual downtown disaster.

Buy American · April-04-10, 10:15 AM

After a few bad experiences on the island with thugs strolling in the middle of the street blocking traffic like they owned the road, blasting music, foul language [[in front of the grandkids), we decided not to go anymore at certain times of the day, during certain seasons, on holidays, in the warm weather, etc.
The last time we were there we went very early in the morning and was able to enjoy the park and get out of the car. The time before that was in the dead of winter when no one was there.
I feel much safer at Metro. There are certain groups at Metro that try to take over the park but with the sheriff's office patrolling and keeping the peace, I feel I and my family are better off.
I still have my memories of Belle Isle from childhood and that will have to be enough until someone gets a handle on the unruly crowds.

**Django** · April-05-10, 10:04 AM

Can some explain why they don't charge a fee to get on the island. Id like to see a $2 per car charge, that way its accessible to all.

**EastsideAl** · April-05-10, 12:41 PM

Gotta love all of the use of nasty code words here: "dregs," "thugs," "savages," and even "lower forms of life."

The fact is that Belle Isle is a very pleasant place to get away from the city for most of the week. And if you go there you will mostly see a lot of people enjoying themselves in various ways. Driving, walking, running, biking, swimming, fishing, using the athletic facilities, sitting out in the sun, cooking out, or just chilling and enjoying the scene. If you take a walk and talk to some folks you will find that almost everyone is friendly and cool [[if you're not afraid of the "savages," that is).

On weekend evenings the place does get crowded with young people, most of whom are just having fun, hanging out with their friends, and making new ones, in the way that young people do. It is probably not a scene for us oldsters. Although I've been out there on weekend nights, and while I was bothered a bit by the loud music [[fogey that I am) and by the slow moving traffic, I certainly didn't feel endangered. The police do close down the island after awhile on summer nights, which is probably a good thing, but can cause a hell of a traffic jam on Jefferson. Anyone who thinks the city is dead should come out here on one of those nights.

At all times the island is one of the safest places in Detroit.

Originally Posted by Django

Can some explain why they don't charge a fee to get on the island.

Ummm, maybe because it's a public park, already paid for by we taxpayers of the City of Detroit?

**Eastside** · April-05-10, 10:51 AM

Hey 5speedz34--

Don't be put off by the questionable, negative comments, go out and enjoy the island. In my experience, it does get crazy and hectic at times, especially on warm weekend evenings, but it's not the norm. Believe me.

**detroitdoc** · April-05-10, 10:58 PM

I'm unsure of what the best solution is, but I'd have to think there is one out there.

The city doesn't do an excellent job of maintaining the island. The grass is not well maintained, the garbage is always overflowing and the facilities are in various states of disrepair. The city doesn't have enough money for even more important things...

I'm a proponent of a fee being charge because I think it will help the city do a better job of maintaining the park and control the crowds.

It was mentioned that it's a public park and all the citizens of Detroit already pay for it. I pay a TON of property taxes to the City and I still believe a small fee or a yearly pass for entrance is the best answer. I think it will make a better park for all residents of the region.

My wife and I regularly walk to the island and on the island from our home- to set the record straight, we have never felt in danger, nor have we ever been harassed. I think it's fairly safe. However, it is intimidating. That's why I think something needs to be done.

I think anyone who wants to visit the island should do so and form your own opinion.

If anyone wants to see some great old pictures of the island, check out the book on Belle Isle by Arcadia Publishing in the series 'Images of America.' It is available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, and the Detroit Public Library. Both the main branch and the Skillman branch have a copy.