  Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 4 Registered: 04-2007 |
What would it take to transform Belle Isle into a theme park such as Cedar Point? (Seriously) | ||
Leland_palmer Member Username: Leland_palmer Post Number: 274 Registered: 08-2004 |
Ever hear of Boblo? | ||
Mcp001 Member Username: Mcp001 Post Number: 2525 Registered: 11-2003 |
Not trying to be sarcastic here, but about several years of construction and several hundred million dollars worth of investment. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 749 Registered: 11-2004 |
A shitload of money and some fairy dust. Seriously, what's the point of the question the chances of this happening are none and zero? (Message edited by eric on April 03, 2007) | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 5 Registered: 04-2007 |
Mcp001, sorry maybe I should've clarified myself... I understand that but (seriously), step by step. Like, where to start? This is something that I would love to help create. I have a vision, and the will power to see it through. | ||
Mcp001 Member Username: Mcp001 Post Number: 2527 Registered: 11-2003 |
Quick down 'n dirty response: - Prepare a feasibility study. Not only on the idea itself, but how to to progress it and where to build it. - Secure investors. Having a feasibility study would be advantageous to demonstrate the workability of the overall plan. - Secure the necessary approval from the various layers of government on the local, state and possibly federal level. - Approach construction firms familiar with themed attractions and see what they currently have to offer (or have on the drawing board). Preferably the latter. - Begin construction of the park. - As construction nears completion, begin an advertising blitz to promote the park and its attractions. - Hire staff to operate and maintain park. - Open park to the public. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2514 Registered: 10-2003 |
If Don Barden and Michael Jackson were unable to make it happen, what makes you think you can do it? Their pockets were far deeper than yours. All the city needed to do was grant them a casino license and you would have had your amusement park. If the old electric park that was right next to Belle Isle didn't survive, what makes you think a new park would? How would you compete with Cedar point and it's 100+ year head start? Just getting the funding for 1 megacoaster is going to be difficult. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 6 Registered: 04-2007 |
Thanx... | ||
Iheartthed Member Username: Iheartthed Post Number: 582 Registered: 04-2006 |
Such Debbie Downers. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 7 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ndavies, I post this thread to get a specific answer. I dont personally care about what deals fell through in the past, or who has more money than who... but thanx anyway for your input "Just getting the funding for 1 megacoaster is going to be difficult" | ||
Stecks77 Member Username: Stecks77 Post Number: 316 Registered: 08-2006 |
I would prefer it remain a park. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2515 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well this is a forum. If you post a stupid idea, you're going to get people asking you questions that point out just how stupid your idea is. | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 1284 Registered: 11-2005 |
quote: So would a lot of other people. Where is the demand for a theme park? | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 8 Registered: 04-2007 |
...WOW, your negative energy is the BEST! | ||
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw Post Number: 2643 Registered: 02-2005 |
A theme park on Belle Isle could be the tackiest thing I've ever heard. It would never, ever, be a city operation. The only way it would ever happen is if the city budget is so bad that the city has to sell part/all of the island to a private developer. Then, you would need a developer who is more interested in building a costly, risky theme park than, perhaps, a residential or mixed-use community. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 9 Registered: 04-2007 |
Pam, there is no demand,(that I know of) just an idea  | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 10 Registered: 04-2007 |
Mackinaw... good point | ||
Pamequus Member Username: Pamequus Post Number: 101 Registered: 07-2005 |
Sure would be a super tax influx for the city, as well as draw people to the restaurants and hotels in the downtown area. Personally, I watched a petting zoo evolve into a large successful theme park not far from here, actually in the middle of nowhere in Southern Georgia. If it could happen there, it could happen for Belle Isle. Y'all need to think out of the box a bit more and don't be so quick to slam down someone's ideas. | ||
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner Post Number: 150 Registered: 06-2005 |
Its very hard for Theme parks to profit. You also have to look at the support that it would take, How many Hotels, restrurants and other attractions would it take to support a theme park. I think Bell Isle would be a great place for one, but it would certainly be limited because of size constrictions. Nashville Closed Opryland. The park itself was not making money, but they didnt take into account that other things it supported like the hotels and restruants in the area. They built Opry Mills Mall and it is PACKED constantly, but "Gaylord entertainment" (the company that owns the opryland hotel) is looking for a place to put a new theme park, because the other things are really feeling the loss. | ||
Corktownmark Member Username: Corktownmark Post Number: 289 Registered: 12-2004 |
There is much available real estate in Detroit that is convenient to freeways and major roads. These might be viable for use as an entertainment destination park. Belle Isle is a jewel that is in need of maintenance not a vacant lot with available infrastructure. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 11 Registered: 04-2007 |
Thanx Pamequus | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2516 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sorry Pamequus, this is declining Michigan, not growing Georgia. In my lifetime I have seen 2 Detroit area amusement parks close. With the people leaving the state and the lack of kids coming up there is no demand for additional amusement parks here. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 750 Registered: 11-2004 |
Negative energy? For what being realistic?. Also if you really did have the vision and will(and money) I doubt you'd be asking how to pull it off here. quote: You're comparing a petting zoo to one the largest and best urban parks? I have a feeling if this discussion was about Central Park you wouldn't even entertain the idea. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 12 Registered: 04-2007 |
As Pamequus stated, "we need to think out of the box a bit more"... also, ndavies you mentioned that you've seen 2 "Detroit area amusement parks close." I'm willing to bet none of which offered the resources, and availability as Belle Isle. Furthermore, we our youth are leaving Michigan, (including myself) because Michigan is boring... | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 13 Registered: 04-2007 |
"Negative energy? For what being realistic?" -nevertheless, negative... | ||
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner Post Number: 152 Registered: 06-2005 |
Detblue If michigan is boring, your just not looking! There is a ton of stuff to do. Michigan is one of our more beautiful states. Yes, I no longer live there, but it wasnt because it was "boring". Get out and explore the state. There is lots to do if you just look. As far as a theme park, I can name three that closed, Walled Lake, Edgewater, and Boblo. Any others anyone can think of? | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2517 Registered: 10-2003 |
LOL, I didn't realize I was arguing with someone so worldly in their views. If you find Michigan boring you're going to be extremely disappointed by the rest of the world. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 14 Registered: 04-2007 |
Exmotowner... need I say anymore | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 15 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ndavies, maybe you are arguing... but not once have I come close. | ||
Gibran Member Username: Gibran Post Number: 144 Registered: 02-2007 |
Belle Isle can rise again as the area across from it regains a foothold...The canoe and it's older features would be appreciated like Central Park...Bring back families and it will rise...Make it a theme park and it won't. Many of us are old enough to remember the skating and canoes. Get the park where all Detroiters came come and share good times. Rebuild the old buildings. I know I am stating the obvious. But,sometimes bringing back the past will create a future...look at central park. The charm in Belle Isle is being expressed on the other thread. Thinking outside the box would be a way to re-develop the sense of pride we all have in Detroit and Belle Isle was so cool.... I really hope that as some of these projects begin to grow in the downtown area and along the riverfront it can attract more interest.. It might mean a little give and take. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 1 Registered: 04-2007 |
How many of you live in the D? | ||
Mcp001 Member Username: Mcp001 Post Number: 2529 Registered: 11-2003 |
With people leaving Michigan, it doesn't hurt to look at other areas to bring jobs and money into the state...including tourism. This is to say nothing about the potential tax revenue that a properly thought out and operated theme park could bring into the area. | ||
Leland_palmer Member Username: Leland_palmer Post Number: 275 Registered: 08-2004 |
I'm not sure very many people would be interested in turning a beautiful Frederick Law Olmsted designed park into an amusement park. It think this will be about as popular as the Belle Island Entertainment Zone idea. https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/76017/86940.html If you are interested in developing a park there is plenty of available land to be found elsewhere in the city. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 2 Registered: 04-2007 |
I like the Belle Isle "ol' school" idea. But first, we have to help keep the riff raff off the Isle. I remember canoeing and doing the tree ice sculpture thing. I remember the beach would always be packed. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 3 Registered: 04-2007 |
To tell you the truth, I really don't care about the rest of Michigan, that's because the rest of Michigan is fine. Detroit is the place we have to fix. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2518 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well, I'll leave all you little kiddies to get on with it. I would start with a good business plan. That will give every bank in the area something to laugh at. What was Skulker's comment on the lack of critical thinking skills left on this forum? | ||
Mcp001 Member Username: Mcp001 Post Number: 2530 Registered: 11-2003 |
There's no reason why Belle Isle cannot be both. After all, not all of Bob Lo was built up into a theme park. The same could be done for Belle Isle. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 4 Registered: 04-2007 |
That's true. You have a point. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 16 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ndavies, amazing... | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 5 Registered: 04-2007 |
I believe the riverfront needs to be the focus right now, which includes Belle Isle. work from the river back. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2293 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: The beauty of this line of thinking, is that you can use it repeatedly, no matter what the circumstances. For example, some people used this kind of thought process to justify casino gambling. What happens when the theme park doesn't pan out. After all, it costs $20 million to build a modern roller coaster, and you're gonna have to park all those cars somewhere.... Michigan isn't suffering for wont of things to do. It's suffering because of the local economy--something that employing a couple hundred seasonal workers at $5.15 an hour isn't going to fix. But hey, knock yourself out. If your idea floats, I'll write a plan proposing to build a theme park on the boring-ass National Mall. | ||
Leland_palmer Member Username: Leland_palmer Post Number: 276 Registered: 08-2004 |
...and then when Boblo was no longer viable it was turned into a private community. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 17 Registered: 04-2007 |
Danindc- If your idea floats, I'll write a plan proposing to build a theme park on the boring-ass National Mall, Lol... | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 6 Registered: 04-2007 |
True, politics do play into this whole thing. But if you propose more jobs onto the people, they will raise minimum wage from $6.25 (yep, that's minimum wage now). | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2519 Registered: 10-2003 |
Danindc, you just reminded me of the biggest amusement park fiasco in the state of michigan. AUTOWORLD Ask Flint how well that worked for them. | ||
Stecks77 Member Username: Stecks77 Post Number: 321 Registered: 08-2006 |
"if you propose more jobs onto the people" Huh? | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2294 Registered: 10-2003 |
^Glad I could help! :-) | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 7 Registered: 04-2007 |
In other words, Stecks77, if there is more development in the downtown area, you would produce more jobs, thus contributing to the economic growth of the city. | ||
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap Post Number: 769 Registered: 01-2005 |
Even tho Bob-Lo owners never had any idea that Bob-lo should or would be more than a regional amusement park, and even though the owners tried mightily to appeal to a diverse audience, suburbanites and regional people started staying away in droves because there were so many fights and loud, threatening kids on the boats (where you would be at their mercy) and on the island. The economics just ran down. A theme park on Belle Isle would fail for the same reasons. The idea of having a theme park replace Olmstead's historic work should be presented to new Yorkers. I wonder if they would give up Central park to a theme park. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2295 Registered: 10-2003 |
Okay, but who is going to visit said theme park when the local economy currently sucks? If you're counting on out-of-town visitors, it's not much more than the "bigger fool" routine that states are using to justify casino gambling--and people were using to justify overspending on a house. Let's leave these questions for Detblue to answer. I'm sure his market research will bear it all out. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 18 Registered: 04-2007 |
Danindc I have no questions to answer, I posted this thread for that very reason... | ||
Mcp001 Member Username: Mcp001 Post Number: 2531 Registered: 11-2003 |
quote: Like it or not, the two are related. There is an ever decreasing number of jobs for people to perform. Unless you have an idea for (what was at one time) the big three to return back to their former levels of profitability and market share, I'd be curious to hear about your ideas for revitalizing the economy? | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 19 Registered: 04-2007 |
...possibly a Detroit theme Park? | ||
Leland_palmer Member Username: Leland_palmer Post Number: 277 Registered: 08-2004 |
There are two separate issues to this debate. 1) Would an amusement park be economically viable? 2) Should it be located on Belle Isle? Not likely for one, definitely no for two. Knock yourself out though. I would suggest looking for land elsewhere. You might even be able to buy some city park land :-) | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 8 Registered: 04-2007 |
We need to stop depending on the auto's to bail us out. Compuware took a chance on us, maybe we need a more computer oriented job base. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4042 Registered: 08-2004 |
Actually when Olmstead designed Belle Isle, it only had about 600 acres. The other 380 acres since then were landfill. The western end (Scott Fountain & lagoon), as well as the eastern end (Blue Heron Lagoon) were 20th century additions to the park. But that said, I would also not like the Island become an amusement park. Olmstead's middle north/south roadway "Inselruhe"... is German for "Island Tranquility"! | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 791 Registered: 09-2005 |
Not that I am in favour of turning Belle Isle into an amusement park (the thought is stomach turning), but Boblo had a couple of disadvantages that Belle Isle does not have, i.e. it is in Canada (and catered primarily to Americans in Metro Detroit) and it is an island without a bridge to the mainland. Oh, and Cedar Point was a lot better. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 20 Registered: 04-2007 |
...no debate on my end, just curious... | ||
Skulker Member Username: Skulker Post Number: 3744 Registered: 10-2003 |
Here's a quarter kids, take a ride on the fucking cluebus..... Sell it to the Canadians? Make it an amusement park? Lets take just one small little issue in one of these ideas. Have you ever considered where you would park tens of thousands of cars? Been to Cedar Pointe lately? Recall how the massive parking lot needs busses to help people get to the front gate? Where do park? WHERE DO YOU PARK??? Its pretty clear that Detblue hasn't put an ounce of thought into this project. A simpleton can see it is a non-starter. Mcp001 tries to help out and says one could make it half of it park and the other half an amusement park like Boblo. Recall Boblo went bankrupt because the only was to get to it was by boat. Belle Isle would become half parking lot and half amusement park. As a neighbor of Belle Isle and a frequent visitor to the park, go fuck yourself if you are going to turn it into a parking lot and an amusement park. Here's the model you morons ought to be exploring if you really want to do something. http://www.centralparknyc.org/ aboutcpc/cpc-history/ataglance Instead of fucking around on forums, leading celebrities, movers and shakers and philanthropists in NYC got off their ass and did something. In the 1970's Central Park was far, far worse than anything Belle Isle has ever been. Think the old Cass Corridor without buildings. And you all can come up with is sell to the Canadians or build an amusement park. Absolutely pathetic. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2296 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: That's the mistake a lot of people make. It's not a choice between crappy slave-wage service jobs or a complete resuscitation of the Big Three. Unfortunately, just because you "create" a job doesn't mean you can sustain it. I can move to Michigan tomorrow, and start a business as an airplane manufacturer--one new job created. If I don't sell any airplanes, though, I'm kinda sunk, no? | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 10 Registered: 04-2007 |
Have you seen any tranquility on that island lately? | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 751 Registered: 11-2004 |
quote: Hey, you're the one you that said you have the vision and will to see this through. So curious minds want ti know how you'll do it when one of the most connected people in city Don Barden couldn't. And why you'd destroy the crown jewel of Detroit parks (Message edited by eric on April 03, 2007) | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8811 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: Yes. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 11 Registered: 04-2007 |
Where? Oh, yeah, the golf club.... | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 21 Registered: 04-2007 |
Skuller, if you feel that I'm f****** around on the forum, then why are you even responding respect the thread... | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8812 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: Th ebeach, the area around the cons., around the Dossin Museum, around the west side of the island, etc., etc. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 12 Registered: 04-2007 |
In the Winter... | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4043 Registered: 08-2004 |
During the non-summer heavy use months... the island is indeed very tranquil. I'm going there on Good Friday (18th year in a row) with the family to drive around leisurely and visit the conservatory. And it has ALWAYS been very tranquil during our visits. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 22 Registered: 04-2007 |
"Hey, you're the one you that said you have the vision and will to see this through. So curious minds want ti know how you'll do it when most one of the most connected people in city Don Barden couldn't. And why you'd destroy the crown jewel of Detroit parks" - I still have no questions to answer... | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2520 Registered: 10-2003 |
detblue, why don't you respect the forum and come here with better ideas. This one is DOA and will be called out as so. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8813 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: and the summer, fall and srping. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 346 Registered: 10-2003 |
I really wouldn't want Belle Isle sold off to be an amusement park, but to all those on this thread saying "so and so tried and couldn't do it" or "Boblo went bankrupt so you can't do it".. Wrong way of thinking. There are reasons why this is not a good idea, or not very feasible, but none of them have to do with other attempts. As Detroiter's, you should know sometimes it's just the wrong time, or the wrong person trying. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 13 Registered: 04-2007 |
Can you fully enjoy the park in the winter? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8814 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: Fully is pretty subjective. Also what one considers enjoyable if pretty subjective. I like the park right after a snowfall, it is very peaceful. | ||
Leland_palmer Member Username: Leland_palmer Post Number: 279 Registered: 08-2004 |
Weekend mornings have always been pleasant. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 14 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ok, I'll give you that. But hell, my local city park is tranquil in the morning and first snowfall. | ||
Texorama Member Username: Texorama Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2006 |
I have a crazy idea for Belle Isle that would create something close to unique in the country, would draw visitors, and would not cost a lot of scratch: restore it to the appearance the original landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead (also the designer of Central Park and of Mount Royal Park in Montreal), had in mind for it, and turn it into a living museum of his ideas. It would still be a park. It would still be teenage heaven on spring nights. But you could go there and really see the ideas of one of America's great thinkers in their original form. If you read about him (the book "Murder in the White City" is a good place), you see that he was never given the chance to implement his visions in full. I think that, publicized properly, this could bring in international visitors. Call me crazy, but at least call me crazy but lovable. | ||
Corktownmark Member Username: Corktownmark Post Number: 290 Registered: 12-2004 |
Bsarndt have you been to Belle Isle lately? Somehow I get the feeling that you and Detblue only love Detroit from afar. Hope you can visit the city soon. Come on down and enjoy the Grand prix this year. Stay an extra day and enjoy the more peaceful side of Belle Isle. Mark | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 15 Registered: 04-2007 |
Belle Isle is a place to enjoy other "park" pleasantries. Canoeing, the Big Slide, horse rides... | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 23 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ndavies, this is not a matter of public opinion to me, my idea is just that, (mine)... I'm not here to persuade anyone, this happens to be my thread that you dont agree with... (respect the thread) | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2521 Registered: 10-2003 |
You may have started the thread, but it is public domain. It no longer belongs to you. I suggest you start here with your research as to why this is a stupid idea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A utoworld | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 24 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ndavies, thanks for your input... your resources are invaluable... (happy)? | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 16 Registered: 04-2007 |
Exactly, what do you do at Belle Isle? I have to been to reunions, picnics, bar-b-ques, visited the Dossin, taken my kids to the playscape, flown kites...that's all good. But I would like to ride horses, take a canoe through the inland river. That island needs due repair. Why don't you figure that one out? | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 25 Registered: 04-2007 |
... after researching, I still think it's a great idea. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 17 Registered: 04-2007 |
To me tranquility starts not with seeing a couple of Canadian geese fly overhead and hear the polluted water lap on the rocks. You are supposed to be able to utilize your park. | ||
Thnk2mch Member Username: Thnk2mch Post Number: 837 Registered: 02-2006 |
quote: A lot more than an amusement park. | ||
Stecks77 Member Username: Stecks77 Post Number: 322 Registered: 08-2006 |
Once again Detblue you claim its a good idea but you have nothing to show for it. I think your just trying to antagonize people at this point. Give it up. LAME | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 528 Registered: 02-2007 |
What's up with the Belle ISle threads? Up to now, no one has asked crazy questions about this park. Now, here we go with them. | ||
Eric_w Member Username: Eric_w Post Number: 88 Registered: 02-2007 |
I was all for the Sultan of Brunei buying it in the early 90's-converting it into a exclusive home devlopment and renaming it "El Dorado". Just kidding-that's from an April 1st prank from the old David Newman show on WXYT years ago. Leave the Isle as is just fix it up. Trouble is where will the money come from to do the needed repairs? The State & City are broke. I wonder why our esteemed congressional congregation could never get any pork directed the park's way? Other than hating GW Bush, what have Carl Levin or Deb Stabenow done to enhance a city jewel?Another problem for the city is the suburban sprawl- more & more folks living way beyond the city borders.This makes them far less likely to head down to Detroit to have fun with other cities offering attractions. Like the Boat Club's demise shifting demographics is a big problem | ||
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa Post Number: 792 Registered: 09-2005 |
Wouldn't it be cool if Belle Isle was turned into an airport? Then Detroit would be just like Toronto.... | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 2522 Registered: 10-2003 |
Stupid ideas about the island happen on a regular basis. They come and they go. Last year there was one moron who wanted to buy the island off the city and turn it into a gated community. He couldn't figure out why the city blew him off and why we were giving him the rash of shit we did. | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1547 Registered: 11-2003 |
quote: On behalf of Flint, it didn't work out to well for us. | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 462 Registered: 07-2006 |
i honestly don't like the idea one bit, for reasons too numerous to list, but including lack of demand and the loss of one of Detroit's gems. however, putting all that aside, an amusement park like Cedar point would only take a portion of the island. Cedar Point is only 364 acres, which includes the 64 acre parking lot, leaving 300 acres of actual park. If you can keep the parking on the mainland, you'd end up using less than one third of the existing island - and still leaving more land than the original 600 acres. there really is no need to use the entire island for such a project. | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 1176 Registered: 02-2004 |
You could use the entire Island if you included Upinottawa's airport idea. It would give people something to do while they waited for their flight. It could be the only airport in the world where you could ride a rollercoaster during a lay over. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 26 Registered: 04-2007 |
Stecks77, my idea is my idea you cant change, and there's nothing to give up... Further more I'm NOT the one searching the post for "something to show for" That my friend, is a true lame! | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 18 Registered: 04-2007 |
I like your idea Scottr, or your stats at least. What Detblue is doing is sparking interest in our "gem". I would be interested to know what ideas you would have Ndavies? | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 27 Registered: 04-2007 |
Stecks77, and your a scholar... | ||
Crew Member Username: Crew Post Number: 1177 Registered: 02-2004 |
you're (you are = you're) | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 19 Registered: 04-2007 |
LOL, Crew... | ||
Stecks77 Member Username: Stecks77 Post Number: 324 Registered: 08-2006 |
Whatever. The support of this idea is profoundly ignorant. Goodbye. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 20 Registered: 04-2007 |
Peace! | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 28 Registered: 04-2007 |
Thanks Crew, you'RE a scholar too... | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 21 Registered: 04-2007 |
I don't think the idea's ignorant, just the people who aren't opened minded to it. | ||
Psip Member Username: Psip Post Number: 1728 Registered: 04-2005 |
You would have an easier time buying all the homes in Grosse Pointe Shores and building it there. Sorry, with out all the name calling, this idea, IMO, is dead out of the box. It does however stimulate thinking. Start small, like maybe an Aquarium on Belle Isle? | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 29 Registered: 04-2007 |
Psip, lol | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 22 Registered: 04-2007 |
Ohh, how about a zoo...! | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 691 Registered: 12-2006 |
Hey! I like GP Shores the way it is. Nice to look at while going food shopping. And don't forget the Christmas light extravaganza on those homes. (I actually don't care that much). Belle Isle had one theme park earlier, I don't think we need a repeat of that. | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8815 Registered: 10-2003 |
Question: Roughly 30% of the city is living below the poverty line. In its current state the island is open to all residents (I do think a nominal entrance fee would be nice). Add in the people that are not in poverty but close and you probably have well over half of the city's population. How many people in the city would be able to pay for a family to attend this park? I think the City Council's continuing fight for only the poor gets old but I think that the island should be open to all residents, not just those that can afford to take their family to a costly fun park. Let's consider all of the residents for once. I question how much economic impact would come from it in the first place. How much business is open around Cedar Point? There is probably very little spin off business from Cedar Point. I personally have never stopped in Sandusky for anything beyond gas on the way there or on the way home. Improve the island but make it accessible as there are already enough entertainment opportunities for people that can afford it. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 23 Registered: 04-2007 |
What theme park would that be? | ||
Jt1 Member Username: Jt1 Post Number: 8816 Registered: 10-2003 |
If you are asking me I am talking about the 'proposed' one that started this thread. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4048 Registered: 08-2004 |
I have a better idea... let's buy nearby undeveloped Peche Island off the Canadians (what is it about 300-400 acres?), and turn that into an amusement park. The only way to get there would be via a gondola ride from the USA mainland (near the Edison Power Station,where parking could originate)... and also have a boat ferry for those scared of heights. The gondola could go over the eastern tip of Belle Isle. Put the midway gondola support tower next to (west) of the Livingston lighthouse. And Canadians could also get there via a gondola ride from their side. Voila! No need to disturb the "island tranquility" of Belle Isle! | ||
Jjw Member Username: Jjw Post Number: 286 Registered: 10-2005 |
eek! New lows | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 693 Registered: 12-2006 |
The old one? Electric Park was the name, except that I misspoke. The park was located between Jefferson and the River near the Belle Isle Bridge. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 24 Registered: 04-2007 |
Jt1, I was talking to Scs100. Gistok, that's a good idea. | ||
Dougw Member Username: Dougw Post Number: 1643 Registered: 11-2003 |
Texorama, your idea may be a little bit crazy, but it's about 1000 times better than Detblue's. Playing up the Frederick Law Olmstead angle would generate interest in the park, without requiring major changes. | ||
Danindc Member Username: Danindc Post Number: 2298 Registered: 10-2003 |
^But see, if you build an airport on Belle Isle, then you can go all Richard J. Daley on it, and bulldoze it in the middle of the night. That would certainly get Detroit in the newspapers, and people would have to pay attention to Detroit. | ||
Eric Member Username: Eric Post Number: 752 Registered: 11-2004 |
quote: Yeah and turn that area of the east riverfront into a parking lot. quote: Yes it is BI needs improvement, but this is not the way do it. Like Skulker pointed out Central Park is managed by a conservancy, the intelligent debate would be about getting the Friends of Belle Isle manage the park. quote: What's lame is that you can't or won't defend your "idea" like an intelligent adult (Message edited by eric on April 03, 2007) | ||
Royce Member Username: Royce Post Number: 2160 Registered: 07-2004 |
Four and a half hours later and there are now 118 posts prior to mine. Damn! You folks sure responded with feelings on this one. | ||
Scottr Member Username: Scottr Post Number: 463 Registered: 07-2006 |
quote: I was originally going to suggest underground parking, or at least something more dense than a surface lot, but decided to keep my post focused on the island itself. in any case, i wouldn't want it on the riverfront either, and it could just as easily be further inland, north of jefferson. As I stated though, i don't like the idea myself. but that doesn't mean it can't be discussed, and it may bring up more ideas, some of which could actually be viable, perhaps incorporating parts of the bigger 'ignorant' idea. | ||
Exmotowner Member Username: Exmotowner Post Number: 154 Registered: 06-2005 |
Detblue, Just to let you know, I didnt leave Detroit or Michigan by choice. It was a matter of circumstance and I wouldnt be heart broke if circumstance led me back there. | ||
Gistok Member Username: Gistok Post Number: 4053 Registered: 08-2004 |
Detblue and Bsarndt... welcome to the forum!! You have been ridiculed, cussed at, scoffed at, and belittled... You have just passed the DetroitYes Forum "fast track initiation"... You are now one of us!!! | ||
14509glenfield Member Username: 14509glenfield Post Number: 690 Registered: 05-2006 |
Manhattan is an island also. Gems are Belle Isle. | ||
Pam Member Username: Pam Post Number: 1286 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hey Detblue, you could build a theme park in your own backyard like this guy: http://www.roadsideamerica.com /tips/getAttraction.php?tip_At tractionNo==6677 | ||
Toog05 Member Username: Toog05 Post Number: 126 Registered: 03-2006 |
JT1, there is not that much spinoff business from Sandusky, because it is Sandusky. But Detroit would be a whole different situation. I think that Detroit would get some spinoff business with a theme park on belle isle. Families would not travel to Detroit just to go to an amusement/theme park and be gone. They would make a whole weekend out of it. | ||
Ccbatson Member Username: Ccbatson Post Number: 264 Registered: 11-2006 |
Sponsorship with huge amounts of money (many hundreds of millions). Very unrealistic, IMO. | ||
Oladub Member Username: Oladub Post Number: 26 Registered: 08-2006 |
 The Electric Park amusement park, on the Detroit side of the Belle Isle Bridge, had a merry-go-round, dance hall, and ferris wheel. see http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=104&category=life | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 539 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Sponsorship with huge amounts of money (many hundreds of millions). Very unrealistic, IMO." The auto companies are broke and we don't have any major corporations outside the industrial area. Oh well. If folks knew Compuware was sponsoring, they will say "who?". | ||
Urbanize Member Username: Urbanize Post Number: 540 Registered: 02-2007 |
"Sponsorship with huge amounts of money (many hundreds of millions). Very unrealistic, IMO." The auto companies are broke and we don't have any major corporations outside the industrial area. Oh well. If folks knew Compuware was sponsoring, they will say "who?". However, if we can get Ilitch cheap butt to sponsor it through Little Caesars, it would be fine, not the best sponsor to have a pizza name, but it would do. | ||
Detblue Member Username: Detblue Post Number: 30 Registered: 04-2007 |
Eric, there's nothing to defend, my question was what would it take to transform belle isle into a theme park. "Where do you get off whith this "adult" thing?" | ||
Pamequus Member Username: Pamequus Post Number: 102 Registered: 07-2005 |
There is a world of difference between an amusement park and a theme park. People spend a lot of money at theme parks, also spend weekends and vacations at them. Restaurants, motels, water parks, etc, etc, etc develop around them. Come on down to Florida, check out Orlando. 30 years ago it was a small city with little going for it. The theme parks totally changed it. It's now a very vital city and financially very stable. I realize Detroit and Orlando have different climates resulting in better utilization of the facilities but it's not beyond possibilities. Y'all speak of restoring the lovely hotels downtown. If there was a large attraction to bring people in perhaps there would be more investors to accomplish that task. How about a theme park with a 1920s them?? Combine the revitalization of downtown with the park? I love Belle Isle too and have fond memories of it as a child but some sacrifices may have to be made to restore Detroit. | ||
Burnsie Member Username: Burnsie Post Number: 933 Registered: 11-2003 |
Bsarndt wrote, "...raise minimum wage from $6.25 (yep, that's minimum wage now)." Actually, in Michigan as of 10/1/06 it's $6.95/hr. On July 1 of this year it goes up to $7.15, and then $7.40 on 7/1/08. People under 18 can get paid a "sub-minimum" wage of 85% of the adult rate. | ||
Bsarndt Member Username: Bsarndt Post Number: 42 Registered: 04-2007 |
You are exactly correct, Burnsie, I'm a little behind, sorry. | ||
Michmeister Member Username: Michmeister Post Number: 159 Registered: 10-2006 |
We could even call it Bob-Lo II ! | ||
Paulmcall Member Username: Paulmcall Post Number: 81 Registered: 05-2004 |
I haven't seen the word DISNEY here yet. If they can clean up and fix Times Square, they can remake Belle Isle. Unless you get a Bill Gates adopting it, you won't find anyone else with the money or expertise to transform the place. You have to decide if you want to leave it like it is or go all the way. You can't turn it back to the "good old days' whenever that was. | ||
Mcp001 Member Username: Mcp001 Post Number: 2539 Registered: 11-2003 |
A couple of items in no particular order... As to the survivability of the park, see the first bullet point in my second post above. Regarding parking. Whomever said that everything had to be parked on the island? Universal & Disney does not have parking in the middle of their parks, so why should it be any different here? And I seem to recall a huge stretch of land south of the bridge (remember the Uniroyal Plant) that could be easily converted into a parking structure. Visitors could be shuttled back and forth between the two. | ||
Scs100 Member Username: Scs100 Post Number: 732 Registered: 12-2006 |
One minor problem with that Mcp001. I believe that once cleaned up, the Uniroyal site is to be turned into condos, unless the deal falls through. | ||
14509glenfield Member Username: 14509glenfield Post Number: 724 Registered: 05-2006 |
Amusement parks became ...._______lands/worlds/theme parks. Twenty, thirty years from now as the last of the Baby Boomers have checked out as well as the next generation and on and on, there will be new technology transforming our space as we know the world today. Whatever it takes to upgrade and keep it an island retreat puts the best foot forward. | ||
Kingofdetroit Member Username: Kingofdetroit Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2006 |
Anyone seen this? http://www.skylineattractions. com |
