The Detroit Grand Prix will continue to roar through Belle Isle, but with some conditions.
An assessment by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources looked at concerns over how long it takes to set-up and tear-down the event, denying residents use of part of the park, and leaving the island in its original state.
Protesters gathered near the MacArthur Bridge Saturday rally to have the Detroit Grand Prix moved off Belle Isle in the future. (Photo by AM800's Gord Bacon)
Officials say 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 area — addressing an issue that garnered protests over the past few years.
Residents attend a public meeting on a proposed new deal to keep the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix in Belle Isle Park on Belle Isle on Friday July 13, 2018. (Photo by CTV Windsor's Rich Garton)
The amount of compensation for holding the event on Belle Isle will be re-evaluated to offsetting "lost opportunity" revenue. Another sticking point is the duration from set-up to tear down to allow the public access to the park, and more accountability to return the property to its original state after the races.
Ron Olson, the 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 honours 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.”
CTV Windsor has received a statement from the organizers of the Detroit Grand Prix. It reads;
“The Detroit Grand Prix has received feedback from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the proposal we recently submitted to continue hosting the event at Belle Isle Park. The Grand Prix team will review the feedback and the suggested adjustments to the proposal internally over the next few days and determine our next steps in the process. We remain committed to bringing the Grand Prix back to Belle Isle in 2019 and beyond.”
The DNR says since 2007, the grand prix and its partners have invested more than $13.5-million in enhancements to Belle Isle Park’s natural and cultural resources.
A decision will be made after the Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, Aug. 2, at 6pm. at the Belle Isle Nature Center.
— with files from CTV News Windsor.