Belle Isle shelter reservations taken in-person March 24-26

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 02/25/2014 10:34 AM EST

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Belle Isle Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 25, 2014

Contact: Jason Fleming, 517-373-2965 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815


Belle Isle shelter reservations taken in person March 24-26;
improvements coming in April

Patrons of Belle Isle Park shelters – following a brief in-person reservation period in late March – will see an improved process that allows shelter reservations to be made by phone or online up to a year in advance.

For 2014, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – which assumed management of Belle Isle Park on Feb. 10 – will take in-person shelter reservations on a first-come, first-served basis from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 24-26 at the casino building on Belle Isle, Detroit.

Each date will offer specific reservation opportunities:

  • March 24 – July shelter reservations taken;
  • March 25 – August shelter reservations taken; and
  • March 26 – Any remaining July and August shelter reservations taken, along with reservations for portions of May, June, September and October.

This in-person reservation process is similar to the system used by the city of Detroit in previous years. The current shelter reservation price structure used by the city of Detroit will remain unchanged for reservations made for 2014-2015.

“Our staff at the Department of Natural Resources continues to work side by side with the city of Detroit to make it easy and enjoyable for people to visit Belle Isle and make memories at the beloved island park,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “The in-person shelter reservation option is just one more way to ensure a smooth transition.”

Introduction of the Central Reservation System

Beginning April 15, 2014, all Belle Isle Park shelter reservations will be taken through the DNR-administered Central Reservation System (CRS). The CRS manages state park camping, lodging, shelter and harbor reservations. Reservations through the CRS can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com or through the call center at 1-800-44-PARKS.

CRS-managed shelter reservations can be made for dates up to one year in advance. For example, shelter reservations for July 1, 2015, can be made as early as July 1, 2014.

After the March 24-26 in-person reservation period, shelter reservations can only be made using the CRS. Reservations will not be taken by other means. This is consistent with shelter reservation procedures throughout the Michigan state park system. Shelter reservations will not be taken between March 27 – April 14, when that reservation system is transferred to the CRS.

When using the CRS website or call center, patrons can make shelter reservations and obtain information on shelter amenities, size, cost and availability without leaving their homes. The website also offers shelter photos. The cost to make reservations using the CRS, which is consistent throughout all state parks, is $8 per website reservation and $10 per call-in reservation.

During the in-person reservation process in late March, information and take-home instructions on the CRS shelter reservation process will be made available. DNR staff will also be present to answer questions and demonstrate the CRS website.

For more information on shelter reservations, including the price structure, visit www.BelleIslePark.org and click on “Shelter Reservations.”

Belle Isle and beyond

The DNR is currently 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 the Secretary of State, or can be bought at the park. The Recreation Passport requirement applies to Belle Isle shelter hosts and their guests.

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

Follow us on Twitter @MichiganDNR. We encourage Belle Isle partners and others interested in the park’s revitalization to use the hashtag #AllinforBelleIsle.

 

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.