  Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 3191 Registered: 10-2003 |
Today we stole a day from winter and played handball on Belle Isle which, on the way, led to these pleasant discoveries.... The first new picnic shelter in decades rises just past the Woodside Drive Bridge by Lake Okonoka.  The completed restoration of the rest station at Woodside and Lakeshore.  Construction of a paved walkway to downriver point.  A perfect day on Detroit's Crown Jewel. | ||
Apbest Member Username: Apbest Post Number: 248 Registered: 03-2006 |
excellent news | ||
Justbeamensch Member Username: Justbeamensch Post Number: 18 Registered: 07-2006 |
I love it, and the Conservatory opens back up this week. | ||
Naturalsister Member Username: Naturalsister Post Number: 851 Registered: 11-2004 |
This is the best news. Give us a minute, and much of our riverfront will tie together quite nicely. later - naturalsister | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 287 Registered: 01-2006 |
Things are looking good. Now we have to make sure they stay looking good. I'd like to see the picnic tables be replaced. I would guess that probably 1/2 of them are beyond repair. | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 2056 Registered: 10-2003 |
And if you're replacing the picnic tables, please pour a concrete foundation/floor for them. There's nothing worse than not being able to use the picnic tables at Belle Isle for lunch because they're a mud pit or you have to get a ladder and safety net for your kids to get up to and safely use them. | ||
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch Post Number: 473 Registered: 02-2006 |
Please do not pour concrete under them. I can sit at a table on a concrete slab in my back yard. | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 296 Registered: 01-2006 |
At least pour concrete footings to the tables so they are not tipped over, distorted and mutilated in a thousand ways. A few weeks ago I saw a car drag with a table tied to it down the road and slam on the brake to watch the table roll. | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 220 Registered: 02-2006 |
Looking good.313 | ||
Detroit313 Member Username: Detroit313 Post Number: 221 Registered: 02-2006 |
Looking good.313 | ||
Bobj Member Username: Bobj Post Number: 1287 Registered: 11-2003 |
Nice to see some rehab! | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 115 Registered: 03-2006 |
Make the picnic tables out of concrete. | ||
Jonnyinlaguna Member Username: Jonnyinlaguna Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2006 |
Great pics Lowell! It is nice to see the city dumping a little money into BI. I remember spending many afternoons there while growing up in the D. I can’t wait for them to finish the river walk. It will be nice to be able to ride my bike there from CBD during the summer along the river. Keep the pics coming as Detroit Rises! | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 311 Registered: 04-2006 |
Bvos has a good point, why not place the same stuff that is used in Campus Martius (tiny aggregate) under the tables? That way spills will largely wash away and the area remains drainable as opposed to the non-pervious surface that you get with concrete? Heck go the extra nine yard and use the same rubber stuff you see in the play-scapes in the neighborhood parks we al see every day, well us out in the neighborhoods get to see them. | ||
Sister Member Username: Sister Post Number: 18 Registered: 01-2005 |
The conservatory is scheduled to reopen around November 21. The Belle Isle Women's Committee is funding extensive renovations to Sunset Point and will have the ground breaking on November 14 at 10 AM. | ||
Quickdrawmcgraw Member Username: Quickdrawmcgraw Post Number: 72 Registered: 10-2005 |
Think the city will hand over Belle Isle to the Friends of Belle Isle? Wish we can get our aquarium back! Is the Nature Center still open? | ||
Bjl7997 Member Username: Bjl7997 Post Number: 105 Registered: 03-2005 |
What is going to happen to the abandoned restaurants in Belle Isle? | ||
Lowell Board Administrator Username: Lowell Post Number: 3209 Registered: 10-2003 |
"What is going to happen to the abandoned restaurants in Belle Isle?" More Parking?  The only restaurants I know of on BI are at the Detroit Yacht Club and a fledgling sometimes warm month place in Athletic Building. Is there something else? | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 298 Registered: 01-2006 |
Does anyone think there is a bottom line amount of money that could restore Belle Isle: Aquarium, slides, restaurants and all? I mean there has got to be $2 million in grants and other private monies available somewhere to provide a top to bottom face lift. | ||
Spiritofdetroit Member Username: Spiritofdetroit Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2006 |
If run right, Belle Isle could not only be the city's greatest jewel, but could also be a huge source of revenue. Between the Aquarium, Conservatory, golf course/range, and the possibility of the restuarants/concessions, it has the components to remain a haven for Detroiters and a money making machine for the city. If only it was properly maintained and promoted. I know that Archer had visions of creating this on Belle Isle, along with kayak/canoe rental, horse-drawn carriage rides, etc. What happened? | ||
Detroitstar Member Username: Detroitstar Post Number: 299 Registered: 01-2006 |
I know nothing about the golf complex out there, other than driving/walking by...could it be a viable 9 hole course? Could a restaurant/clubhouse be added to make it a summer destination? | ||
Spiritofdetroit Member Username: Spiritofdetroit Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2006 |
Its a par-3 course and includes the driving range, which is lighted. It is certainly in no way an amazing golf course, it is however capable of being used more than it is. Many par-3 courses are viable and include restuarant/clubhouse, and those arent on an island inbetween 2 countries.... The whole island really is underutilized. Its sad | ||
Jonnyinlaguna Member Username: Jonnyinlaguna Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2006 |
$2 million is not going to get you very far. It would probably take about $150 million to restore BI. | ||
Jenay Member Username: Jenay Post Number: 163 Registered: 06-2005 |
Glad to see the progress! | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 10813 Registered: 10-2003 |
Belle Isle needs a liquor store more than anything. Secondly, give me a place that serves fried chicken and ribs and I'll never leave. ps...save the white jokes. | ||
Dbc Member Username: Dbc Post Number: 7 Registered: 09-2006 |
What is the status of Flynn Pavillion? I haven't heard anything since maybe 2004 , when Kwame, Levin, et al. announced it was being renovated and would have skating again. |
