What should we do with the old Belle Isle zoo?

One of Detroit's more unusual public spaces is long overdue for an activation, and the public can help decide its fate. A survey is now available for the public to rank themes for the long-abandoned Belle Isle Zoo.

Last fall, Michigan State University landscape architecture students created designs with broad themes that the public can now vote on. 

These themes are:

• Honoring and exploring Belle Isle’s history.
• Showcasing the island's opportunities for sustainable ecosystems.
• Providing ample outdoor education opportunities.
• Elevating creative and performing arts in nature.
• Offering interactive outdoor adventures and concessions.
• Making space to retreat to and interact with nature and each other.

While this won't be the final part of the process, it will be an important part as the Michigan DNR helps to determine the strategy for the park's future.

“We want to get a clearer picture about what people think the old zoo area could be. The survey is the place to let us know which themes you think are most important, as well as the public amenities and natural and built settings you most want to see,” says Amanda Treadwell, urban field planner for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “The results will be an important starting point for more conversations to guide how the old zoo area might be used in the future.”

In the survey, participants can rank the themes in order of importance. Then, images of the themes are presented, with questions about the images and themes. There is also room for comments.

Located in the middle of the island park, the zoo was known as the Detroit Zoo until it was moved to Royal Oak. Then the park became known as the Belle Isle Children's Zoo, and Safariland, until it was closed in 2002. Vacant huts and animal enclosures connected by an elevated trail system sit on the property. 

The survey is open until July 4.