The Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) is spearheading the development of a 10-year strategic plan for Belle Isle Park, a historic 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River. The plan aims to enhance the visitor experience while restoring park structures and sites through a phased, sustainable approach. Wade Trim is leading the plan’s development, leveraging extensive background data and studies completed over the past decade by various organizations and firms.

At the start of the project, more than 15 studies were cataloged, establishing a comprehensive collection of data and recommendations for consideration. Additional building assessments may be conducted based on findings in cases where updated assessments were needed. Previous recommendations for the park range from maintenance—such as improved lighting, picnic tables, and tree trimming—to substantial upgrades, including beach and changing room renovations, improved wayfinding signage, and better connectivity for walking and biking paths. To create an actionable strategic plan, existing information, available funds, and future funding opportunities will be analyzed and used to develop a prioritized matrix of park improvements that balances the most critical needs with cost.

Community input is vital to reflecting the needs and aspirations of those who visit and cherish Belle Isle Park. The strategic plan’s engagement approach builds on the success of efforts undertaken during the recently completed Belle Isle Multimodal Mobility Study. Led by Wade Trim, the study engaged a large number of people to understand how visitors use the park and identify frustrations and needs. With over 3,000 visitor responses to surveys, team discussions with over 100 stakeholders including city staff and vendors, and a well-attended public meeting at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the team developed a transportation plan to improve visitor safety and mobility. Based on the input, solutions were developed and shared with the community for additional feedback, ensuring solutions resonated with stakeholders and optimized project outcomes. In addition to informing a successful engagement approach, the mobility study’s insights will help shape key elements of the strategic plan.

Attendees at the 2025 Belle Isle Art Fair provided their input for proposed projects at the park.