Belle Isle event-reservation procedures, prices to stay the same through 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 7, 2014

Contact: Scott Pratt (DNR), 517-284-6112; or 
Alicia Minter (City of Detroit Recreation Department), 313-224-1129


Belle Isle event-reservation procedures, price structure
will stay the same through 2014

 

Visitors planning to host family reunions, birthday parties or other events this year on Belle Isle will see no change to the island park’s current event-reservation procedures or price structure for 2014, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today.  

 

On Feb. 10, when the DNR assumes management of Belle Isle as Michigan’s 102^nd state park, it will continue to use the city of Detroit Recreation Department’s current event procedures and price structure while the department assesses whether changes are needed. Event procedures for 2015 will be announced later this summer.

 

“The DNR will continue the reservation process for 2014, as the Detroit Recreation Department has for several years,” said Alicia Minter, Detroit Recreation Department Director and Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee member. “Our department worked to improve the process and made changes to meet the needs of our patrons. The DNR will be building upon that progress to make improvements for the future."

 

All 2014 island events already scheduled through the Detroit Recreation Department will proceed as scheduled.

Shortly after Feb. 10, the DNR will contact existing reservation holders to answer questions and provide additional information, including deposit procedures and the distribution process of Recreation Passport vouchers, which will be issued to event hosts and their guests who made event reservations on or prior to Dec. 17, 2013.

 

Because many events can be booked a year in advance, the Recreation Passport will not be required for island visitors holding or attending events reserved with the city of Detroit or the DNR on or prior to Dec. 17, 2013. This also includes smaller, private events such as weddings, reunions and birthday parties. Upon balance payment, event organizers will be given Recreation Passport vouchers for their guests.

 

“During the transition period, we are focusing on a seamless transfer of the management of Belle Isle Park to the state,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “The Detroit Recreation Department has greatly aided us during the transition, leading to a smooth transfer of events reservations and information.”

 

Visitors can make event reservations using the following procedures:

• Contact Milliken State Park and Harbor staff at 313-396-0217.
• Deposits can be paid on or after Feb. 10. (Deposits will not be taken before that date.) In-person cash deposits are now accepted in addition to certified check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted.
• Deposits can be paid in-person at Milliken State Park and Harbor, 1900 Atwater Drive, Detroit, MI 48207 or mailed to the same address. 

Shelter reservation procedures also remain unchanged in 2014. These reservations will be taken in person on a first-come, first-served basis from March 24-26. Additional information will be available in mid-February.

 

For more information on event reservations, including pricing, rental procedures, and rules and guidelines, visit www.belleislepark.org and click on Event Reservation Information.

 

Belle Isle and beyond
When the transition period ends Feb. 10, the DNR will begin phasing in requirement of the Recreation Passport for vehicles entering Belle Isle. The Recreation Passport applies only to vehicles, not individuals. The Passport - $11 for resident vehicles, $5 for resident motorcycles - can be easily purchased when a driver renews his or her license plate registration through Secretary of State, or can be bought at the park.

 

In addition to Belle Isle, the Recreation Passport gets the holder's vehicle into all state forest campgrounds, boat launches, trailhead parking, and Michigan state parks and recreation areas, including many - Bald Mountain Recreation Area, Dodge #4 State Park, Highland Recreation Area, Island Lake Recreation Area, Maybury State Park, Milliken State Park, Proud Lake Recreation Area and Sterling State Park - in the metro Detroit area.

 

Learn more about this creative way to sustain Michigan's state parks and outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

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