How do you typically get to and from Detroit's island park? And once you're there, how do you get around? The vast majority of the Detroit metro population would answer 'car' to both of those. But could those answers change if we just had more options?
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Belle Isle Conservancy are in the midst of an 18-month multimodal mobility study on the island which would ideally lead to lasting improvements. And right now, they're seeking public input.
The team has launched a public input survey to see what might interest visitors to the island. Looking for more buses, a trolley, or yes, even a ferry to get to the island? And once you get there, how can you get around safer? Would more access points for personal watercrafts be helpful? Is there not enough or too much security? Is there too much traffic? Too much or not enough parking? These are just a few of the questions and options where they're looking for feedback.
“With a rising number of visitors accessing the park, getting onto and around the island can come with challenges during certain times of the year,” said Amanda Treadwell, urban field planner for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Hearing from park users about their experiences – what works well for them, what changes could make their visits more enjoyable – will help us develop mobility solutions that work for everyone.”
The island had an estimated 5 million visitors last year, which the DNR says is double the number since 2014. The survey is open until February 19 and more information can be found here.
