Michigan DNR Responds To Detroit Grand Prix Proposal

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced it has completed its initial evaluation of a proposal that would continue using Belle Isle Park as the venue for the annual Detroit Grand Prix racing series. Based on that review, the DNR is interested in moving forward on a plan to keep the Detroit Grand Prix at the island park, provided key agreement areas are resolved to the department’s satisfaction.

Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said that several factors went into the department’s decision to consider keeping the race on Belle Isle.

“We believe there are many far-reaching benefits in working toward a plan where Belle Isle Park continues as the site of the Detroit Grand Prix,” Olson said. “We feel confident that we can arrive at a plan that honors the history, excitement and impact of this iconic race, while also safeguarding and enhancing the green spaces and experiences that people have come to expect from a day at Belle Isle.”

Olson cited the following reasons in the department’s decision to move forward:

• Benefits to the park. Since 2007, the Detroit Grand Prix and its partners have invested more than $13.5 million in enhancements to Belle Isle Park’s natural and cultural resources. This includes Recreation Passport sponsorship for hundreds of Detroit residents, maintenance and repairs of the MacArthur Bridge and the James Scott Memorial Fountain, along with other improvements made to the island and funding for community programs like “Bringing the Outdoors to the Neighborhood.”
• Limited impact to natural resources. Environmental assessments conducted by DNR staff show that the Detroit Grand Prix’s presence on Belle Isle Park has little to no long-term impact on area wildlife and natural areas. Event setup starts after bird and waterfowl migration occurs, and most animals and birds were found to be living in the flatwoods area on the park’s east end, opposite of the race location.
• Historical significance. The Detroit Grand Prix has been a highly visible presence on Belle Park each June from 1992 to 2001, in 2007, 2008, and every year since 2012. It is a signature event that elevates the city of Detroit nationally, stimulates the region’s tourism economy and provides an important chapter in Michigan’s ongoing automotive story.

Olson said the next step involves presenting what the department believes are fair and equitable changes to the Detroit Grand Prix proposal to ensure that Belle Isle Park continues to thrive as an outdoor recreation destination for residents and visitors.

Those changes include the areas of:

• The amount of compensation for holding the event at Belle Isle Park.
• The duration (number of days) from setup to teardown.
• Offsetting the “lost opportunity” revenue from picnic shelters, concessions and other facilities that normally would be operating during that time.
• Specific details on accountability to ensure that any natural resources, facilities or other park amenities displaced, damaged or otherwise altered due to the Detroit Grand Prix’s presence on the island are restored to conditions satisfactory to the DNR.

While Detroit Grand Prix officials look at the DNR’s proposed changes, the public again is encouraged to review the summary of changes and share feedback or ask questions via email at DNR-GrandPrix-Proposal@michigan.gov through Aug. 2, 2018.

“Involving the public in the process of evaluating and considering the Detroit Grand Prix’s future on Belle Isle Park has been a critical part of the review,” Olson said. “Since last fall, we have hosted listening sessions and other opportunities for people to let us know how they feel about this race being a part of Belle Isle, and we want to make sure those communication channels are open until a final decision is reached.

“Since September of last year, we’ve received strong feedback,” Olson said. “In fact, since the July 13 Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee meeting, the DNR has received nearly 300 email messages with a mix of pro and con comments.”

The next scheduled Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee meeting regarding the Detroit Grand Prix is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. at the Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive, in Belle Isle Park. The DNR expects to review the Grand Prix’s revised proposal at that meeting, after which the public again will have opportunity to share their opinions.

The DNR will make a final decision shortly after the Aug. 2 meeting. Once a decision is final, it will be shared with the Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee and the public.

For more information about the Detroit Grand Prix proposal or the DNR counter-proposal summary, visit the Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee website.