What's the haps at Belle Isle?

If you've been on Belle Isle recently, you've probably noticed lots of changes afoot -- most prominently, the huge concrete lot in front of the Casino: the new paddock for the Grand Prix.

Detroit Recreation Department director Loren Jackson acknowledges that it is a "large sea of concrete," but she points out its usefulness as parking for special events like the fireworks and a site for three-on-three basketball tournaments.

There are multiple road-paving projects going on for the Grand Prix as well, but Jackson says that there's more to it. "They've been really great about helping us out with other areas," citing new benches, ornamental lighting, flower plantings and dead tree removal and replacement. The Casino has also received a facelift; it will be used as media headquarters for the Grand Prix but the improvements -- including painting, plastering, new lighting and flooring -- will "increase its value as a rental facility," she says.

Scott Fountain will be spruced up and the adjacent lagoon will be dredged prior to the Labor Day weekend race.

The Belle Isle Women's Committee has focused its efforts on Sunset Point, the island's westernmost tip. The area has a new comfort station, sidewalks and landscaping. Jackson says the area is "calm and serene, a place to sit and read, watch the ducks and look out across the water."

A new water department facility was constructed near the foot of the MacArthur Bridge and more improvements in that area are to be expected.

Near Flynn Pavilion, the swan boats (pictured) have arrived, and Jackson says to be on the look-out for the dragon boats that will soon join them. (Now, let's see a creative use of the Eero Saarinen-designed pavilion itself...)

There is also shoreline work on-going along the eastern side of the island that Jackson expects to be complete this month.

Jackson wants Detroiters to know that non-Grand Prix visitors are welcome Labor Day weekend. "We will still have picnic shelters with family reunions, walkers. It's not taking over the entire island."

Source: Loren Jackson, DRD
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh