Belle Isle updates: $750K grant for 6-mile trail, design contest open, more

Belle Isle is the recipient of a $750,000 grant to go toward a 6-mile trail, reports the Detroit News. The grant is through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program and Detroit was one of 22 cities awarded. Planning for the trail has been going on for a while, and from to the Detroit News, “According to the DNR’s master plan, the trail would be handicap accessible and connect gaps in the existing trail. It would also pick a location for the southern end of Michigan’s Iron Belle rail, which would link to the western Upper Peninsula.” A full list of recipients can be found here.

The Belle Isle Conservancy has opened a design competition to activate the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon Tower area (seen above). They’re looking to add wind chimes, a communal table, and seating to the underutilized space, and to commemorate the events of the summer of 1967. Do you have an idea that would help bring communities together around this space? Entries are due July 31. Details and application can be found here.

The Belle Isle Conservancy, along with the DNR and City of Detroit, are also seeking input on adding splash pads to the beach. It’s time to replace the old water slide, and the Belle Isle Conservancy is holding community workshops to get ideas. More information can be found here and the next meeting is July 25 at 6 p.m. at the Nature Center.

In case you missed it, the first Detroit Kite Festival took place on Belle Isle July 16. It was a pretty great day, and we shot some photos, which you can find here.

Michelle & Chris Gerard