When Belle aisle becomes a state park in February, we'll see a larger staff, tighter security and other improvements, the Department of Natural Resources director says.
Chtristine Ferretti has a Detroit News update a day after Michigan’s emergency loan board approved a 30-year lease for the state to run the island park. She quotes Keith Creagh, the DNR chief:
“You’ll see trash picked up, buildings open, paths open. We’re making sure we are providing that world-class experience to residents and users of the park. That’s what you should see right from the get-go.” . . .
The DNR expects to hire for seven full-time positions and augment its staffing with seasonal and short-term workers, Creagh said.
Ferretti also speaks with Ron Olson, head of the agency's parks and recreation division.
Olson said DNR staffers will be outfitted in green or brown shirts and stationed at the island’s administration building. Uniformed State Police and DNR conservation officers will be conducting patrols, and the state also intends to extend its security system with the Riverfront Conservancy, including guards on bicycles canvassing the island.
The DNR will also move forward with partners on easy fixes, including hazardous tree removal, improved trails, lighting assessments, trash receptacle upgrades and inventories of structures.
To help offset the costs, an $11 annual state recreation passport will be required for park users’ vehicles.
Pedestrians and park users entering on buses will still get in for free, while motorcyclists will be required to have a $5 passport for the license plates, according to the DNR.
There will be a transition period for users to obtain passports, which will also be available on the island, Olson said. Out-of-state visitors can buy a daily or annual pass.
Tuesday afternoon article:
A three-member state panel has approved a 30-year state lease of Belle Isle, Chris Gautz reports in Crain's Detroit Business.
The Local Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board met for about one hour in Lansing Tuesday afternoon. The board, all appointees of Gov. Rick Snyder, did not consider Detroit City Council's counterproposal for a 10-year lease, and passed the 30-year lease unanimously.
On Oct. 1, Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr and Snyder signed the proposed 30-year lease of Belle Isle to turn it into a state park.
Included in the announcement of the proposed lease was the promise that the state would invest $10 million to $20 million in the 985-acre park within the next three years.
But, Gautz writes, Snyder can't make good on that promise without the approval of the Legislature. And Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has said he does not support the idea.
