DNR willing to move forward with proposal to keep Grand Prix on Belle Isle
DETROIT (WJBK) - Thousands turn out every spring at the Detroit Grand Prix to watch Indy Cars speed around Belle Isle. But there are also people who oppose the race, saying it doesn't belong in a public park.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Friday it's open to continuing the race on the island, but with some changes.
Those changes include the areas of:
• The amount of compensation for holding the event at Belle Isle Park.
• The duration (number of days) from setup to teardown.
• Offsetting the “lost opportunity” revenue from picnic shelters, concessions and other facilities that normally would be operating during that time.
• Specific details on accountability to ensure that any natural resources, facilities or other park amenities displaced, damaged or otherwise altered due to the Detroit Grand Prix’s presence on the island are restored to conditions satisfactory to the DNR.
The next committee meeting about the Grand Prix is Thursday, August 2. The DNR is expected to make its final decision after that meeting.