State Has Invested $30 Million Into Belle Isle Improvements
Island managers say $30 million spent on upgrades over three years.
Three years after the State of Michigan assumed management of Belle Isle, managers say about $30 million has gone into improving the island’s infrastructure and attractions. Michelle Hodges, president of Belle Isle Conservancy, says additional projects are planned for this year.
“Improvements to the Iron Belle Trail, to picnic areas, to the bathrooms, the lily pond and natural habitats are also being restored.”
Hodges says some of the improvements won’t necessarily be noticed by visitors — like infrastructure. The number of public events on the island is growing, she says, as are the weddings and other private events expected at the historic casino.
Click on the audio link above to hear the entire interview