|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 21, 2016
Contact: Ron Olson, 517-284-6136 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
Belle Isle survey shows strong customer satisfaction with visitor experience, welcoming environment
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the results of a recent visitor survey for Belle Isle Park. The purpose of the survey was to gauge visitors' reasons for coming to Belle Isle, as well as measuring their perceptions of and satisfaction with park programs, amenities and service.
The survey was administered in August, September and November 2015 by Morpace Marketing Research & Consulting and was funded by the DNR. A representative sample of 717 residents from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and the city of Detroit were contacted through phone interviews, face-to-face interviews and focus groups.
According to the results, 84 percent of respondents who have been to the park within the past year felt welcome, and 90 percent were satisfied with their experience. In addition, the survey examined respondents’ awareness of the park, reasons for visiting, and opinions on maintenance, management and the Recreation Passport vehicle entry requirement. The survey also included a needs assessment that examined satisfaction with facilities, maintenance, staffing, cleanliness and overall atmosphere.
“We are very pleased with the results of the survey,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. “The survey demonstrates that recent investment in Belle Isle has resulted in high visitor satisfaction. Furthermore, the results will be used as a compass to help the DNR and other partners prioritize efforts and strategies to engage even more visitors from Detroit and throughout the state.”
Survey highlights show:
- There was a higher level of awareness of Belle Isle Park and a tendency to go to the park more often among Detroit residents versus non-residents.
- Detroit residents who visited the park within the past year were significantly more inclined to feel that the $11 Recreation Passport was a good value compared to residents who have not visited in the past year.
- “Beautiful/lovely” and “fun/enjoyable” were the most common terms used to describe the park.
- The majority of respondents had very similar views on the appropriate uses for the park, including family outings/celebrations, viewing scenery, walking and biking.
- The current management of the park by the Michigan DNR was seen as a positive.
- The James Scott Memorial Fountain and the Belle Isle Aquarium were the most visited and popular sites in the park. Respondents still had an awareness of the Casino area and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.
- Visitors who attended the park in the last year were somewhat more satisfied with public safety than visitors who have not attended the park in the last year.
- Among both Detroit residents who visited the park in the past year and those who have not, approximately two-thirds felt that Belle Isle Park was an appropriate location for large-scale events such as the Grand Prix.
Belle Isle Park became Michigan's 102nd state park in 2014 as part of a lease agreement with the city of Detroit. This 985-acre island park, situated on the Detroit River between the United States and Canada, is rich with history and natural beauty. It is home to an aquarium, conservatory, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and many other attractions. As a result of significant investment by state, federal and private partners, the park has seen tangible improvements in the last two years, including refurbished park shelters, renovated restrooms, universally accessible parking spaces and the removal of hazardous trees. To learn more about the park, visit Belleislepark.org.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors’ note: The attached summary results of the 2015 Belle Isle survey and an accompanying photo are available below for download. A suggested photo caption follows.
Belle_Isle.jpg: The James Scott Memorial Fountain is a favorite attraction in Belle Isle Park./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
|
