Belle Isle Officially Becomes Michigan's Dumpiest State Park

Happy Belle Isle State Park Day...or something. Today, Belle Isle officially becomes Belle Isle State Park. The island should remain under state control for at least 30 years, during which time the state promises significant improvements across the board They've already begun chopping down trees, which is an improvement, apparently.
Someday, Belle Isle will be in much better shape. And you might think wistfully back to the times when brown porta-potties dotted the landscape, when the shelters were graffitied and crumbling, and plastic trash barrels floated lazily through the canal system. With that in mind, we took some 'before' photos of the island park as it was in November, warts and all.
· After 110 Years, the Belle Isle Conservatory Still Fascinates [Curbed]