Who Owns Belle Isle?

Belle Isle is an island in the Detroit River located east of downtown Detroit, Michigan. It has served as a public recreational space for over 175 years. Belle Isle measures 982 acres and is the largest city-owned island park in the United States. It is often referred to as the “Jewel of Detroit” or the “People’s Oasis.”

The island has a long history. It was settled by French colonists in the 18th century and was originally known as Hog Island. Detroit’s first settler, Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac, claimed the island for France in 1701. In 1845, the island was renamed Belle Isle after Isabelle Cass, the daughter of American General Lewis Cass.

Belle Isle officially became a public park in 1879 when the City of Detroit purchased it for $200,000. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, known for designing Central Park in New York City, helped design and landscape the island into the attraction it is today.

Current Ownership

Belle Isle is owned by the city of Detroit and is considered a public park. However, since 2013 it has been managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through a 30-year lease agreement with the city (Belle Isle Park). Under this arrangement, while Detroit retains ownership and the right to terminate the lease, the DNR operates Belle Isle similarly to a state park, handling maintenance, improvements, security and recreational activities.

The lease agreement was seen as a way for the state to assist Detroit, which was undergoing bankruptcy proceedings in 2013, by taking over management of the 982-acre island park. This provided significant budget relief to the city while still allowing public access and enjoyment of Belle Isle (About Belle Isle Park).

Historic Ownership

Originally, Belle Isle was owned by the Macomb family, who purchased the land in 1768 from the British after the end of the French and Indian War. The family used the island as a summer retreat for many years. In 1879, Detroit city officials purchased the island from the Macomb family for $200,000, with the stipulation that the island would remain a public park in perpetuity [1]. This ensured that residents would have access to green space and recreation, rather than having the island used for industrial or private purposes.

When the city took ownership, Belle Isle covered 700 acres. Since then, expansions through land reclamation have increased the size to 982 acres today. The city developed the island into an attractive public space, planting thousands of trees and shrubs and establishing facilities like a museum, conservatory, aquarium, yacht club, athletic fields, picnic areas, fountains and bridges.

Lease Agreement

In 2013, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the City of Detroit signed a 30-year lease agreement for Belle Isle. Under the agreement, the DNR took over management and operations of the 982-acre island park while the City of Detroit retained ownership. The lease was approved by Detroit City Council in a 5-4 vote in October 2013 and signed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr shortly after [1].

The lease allows the DNR to make improvements to Belle Isle while requiring the state to spend no less than $20 million in improvements over the first three years. The DNR created a special subaccount called the Belle Isle Park Improvement Fund to pay for upgrades and maintenance. Additional funding comes from grants, donations, and earned revenues from events and activities [2].

Improvements Under State Management

Since the state of Michigan took over management of Belle Isle in 2013, there have been significant improvements made to the island under the direction of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In December 2022, the state legislature approved $23 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for additional improvements on Belle Isle.

The DNR has focused on restoring historic structures, improving accessibility, and enhancing recreational opportunities on the island. Major projects have included renovation of the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Belle Isle Aquarium, renovations to athletic fields and courts, expanded kayak and paddleboat rentals, and launching a bike share program [1].

State management has also led to reduced operating costs for Belle Isle. In 2021, the operating cost was approximately $3.4 million, compared to $8 million annually under city management [2]. The DNR has been able to increase maintenance efforts through more efficient operations.

With the influx of funding and the DNR’s management, Belle Isle is undergoing extensive improvements to benefit residents and visitors for years to come.

Criticisms of State Management

Some Detroit residents have expressed concerns about the state’s management of Belle Isle. One common criticism is the perception of over-policing and overzealous enforcement of rules by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) police and Michigan State Police.

For example, in 2016, a group of Detroit youths were handcuffed by DNR officers for trespassing when they walked from the beach to the nature center after closing time. The incident sparked accusations of excessive force being used disproportionately against minorities [1].

There are also concerns that the 30-year lease agreement gives the state too much control, paving the way for eventual full privatization. Critics argue Belle Isle’s public access and affordability could be threatened if corporate sponsors are given naming rights or other forms of control [1].

Future Plans

The State of Michigan and the Belle Isle Conservancy have several upcoming projects and plans to continue improving Belle Isle. Some key future priorities include:

• Renovating the Belle Isle Aquarium – The historic aquarium first opened in 1904 but has been closed since 2005. There are plans underway for a major $15 million renovation to restore the aquarium and reopen it to the public.
• Improving roads and bridges – Ongoing work will continue on repairing and resurfacing roads, bridges, and walkways across the island.
• Upgrading picnic shelters and restrooms – Additional upgrades to amenities like picnic shelters, comfort stations, playgrounds, and shoreline fishing areas.
• Invasive species removal – Continued efforts to remove invasive plant species and improve the island’s natural habitats.
• Tree planting – Large scale tree planting initiatives to restore tree cover on the island.

The Belle Isle Conservancy will continue raising funds through private donors to support improvement projects in partnership with the DNR. The shared goal is to restore Belle Isle to its full potential as a world-class urban park while maintaining public accessibility.

Importance as a Public Space

Belle Isle has had tremendous historic, cultural, and recreational importance for Detroit since it opened as a public park in the late 1800s. Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Belle Isle was envisioned as a “people’s park” that would provide access to nature and leisure activities for all residents.

For over a century, Belle Isle has welcomed millions of visitors who have enjoyed its wide-open green spaces, scenic river views, and architectural landmarks. According to the Detroit Historical Society, it hosted sporting events, concerts, and recreational activities that made it a cultural hub in its early years. The island came to be cherished as a democratizing public space that fostered a sense of civic pride.

Today, Belle Isle remains an oasis for relaxation, recreation, and community gathering in Detroit. Its facilities include a beach, athletic fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, and more. As noted by the Belle Isle Conservancy, it continues to provide access to the outdoors and the Detroit River for all residents. For these reasons, Belle Isle retains immense historic and cultural meaning.

Community Connection

Belle Isle Park is known as the “jewel of Detroit” and has always had a strong connection to the community. For generations, Detroit residents have cherished the island as a place to gather, unwind, and enjoy nature and recreational activities (Belle Isle Conservancy). Families hold reunions and picnics on the island and people from all around metro Detroit visit to swim at the beach, bike the trails, fish, boat, and more. Belle Isle offers a peaceful respite in the middle of a bustling city and a sense of community and belonging.

Detroiters take immense pride in Belle Isle, considering it an integral part of the city’s culture and heritage. After the lease agreement gave management to the State of Michigan in 2014, some in the community worried the island’s community connection would fade. However, the state and the Belle Isle Conservancy have maintained strong ties to Detroiters by preserving historic sites, hosting community events, and keeping the park free and open to all (Michigan.org). Belle Isle remains a treasured public space enjoyed across generations and communities.

Conclusion

Belle Isle Park has a long and rich history as an iconic public space in Detroit. Though privately owned for much of its existence, it was purchased by the city in 1879 to serve as a public park. For over 130 years, it was owned and managed by the city of Detroit, serving as a beloved recreational spot for residents and visitors. However, due to the city’s bankruptcy in 2013, a controversial 30-year lease agreement gave operational control of the island to the State of Michigan.

Under state management, criticisms have emerged about restricted access, overpolicing, and lack of investment in the park’s infrastructure. However, the state has made significant investments in improvements and argues their stewardship ensures the park remains open and accessible. The future of Belle Isle remains uncertain. Its status as a state park is currently set to expire in 2045, at which point ownership could revert to the City of Detroit. Regardless of who owns the land, Belle Isle seems likely to remain a treasured public space, though debates around the best ownership model to benefit Detroiters will continue.