DETROIT [2] Belle Isle

[hkskyline]

Detroit's city fathers purchased the 983-acre island in 1879 for $200,000, against the opposition of those who thought the price was too high. They elected to retain the name Belle Isle (beautiful island) by which the property was popularly known.

In 1883, the designer of New York City's Central park, Frederick Law Olmstead, created the master plan for Belle Isle's transformation.

By 1889, visitors could enjoy the park via the islands' first wooden bridge.

Olmstead also helped select Cass Gilbert's design for the mammoth Scott Fountain, chosen over 93 other entries in a nationwide competition. Among Gilbert's other achievements was the design of the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.

The nearly half mile-long bridge that takes you to Belle Isle today was originally constructed in 1923 and a meticulous renovation was completed in 1986. In 1942, the bridge was renamed after General Douglas MacArthur. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The western tip of Belle Isle offers a very nice view of both Detroit and Windsor.

Ambassador Bridge is one of the order crossings connecting Detroit and Windsor. The other is a tunnel right in the heart of both downtowns. I didn't encounter any delay at all entering the US, but the American Customs agent was a bit bewildered that a car of Hong Kong tourists was interested in touring downtown Detroit. My friend joked with him : "Is it really that bad?"

Some Canada Geese seem to have flocked to the US.

Windsor, Canada

Both sides of the border :

This interior lake looks quite nice, but I wouldn't recommend a dip in the water.

[hkskyline]

Fountain

Belle Isle is a nice contrast to the city. It is extremely green, and I noticed a lot of people sitting by the water enjoying the view. There is quite a diversity of attractions on the island, from the undisturbed waterfront to the conservatory and the wetlands and beach. Like many North American urban parks, it is a little bare, but nevertheless it's a nice escape from the city.

Here's a question for the locals : Was Olmstead's plan carried out in full?