Detroit Evening Report: Detroit’s population growth; return of the Belle Isle giant slide and more
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On the latest episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover Detroit’s population growth, the return of the giant slide on Belle Isle and more.
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Detroit population growth
Detroit’s population has increased for the first time since 1957, according to annual population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau released on Thursday. The city gained just over 1,800 residents, bringing the total to 633,366 people. The original population for the city last year was around 620,000, but was challenged by the Duggan administration because of what they called unfair and inaccurate practices. Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement that they’ve known for a while that city’s population has been growing but this is the first time the U.S. Census Bureau has confirmed it. Detroit is now ranked as the 26th most populous city in America, and now larger than Memphis, Louisville and Portland.
Belle Isle slide reopens
The popular giant slide of Belle Isle is set to reopen this summer following necessary safety improvements. The move comes after some riders suffered minor injuries two years ago. The slide was closed in August 2022 after officials determined an over-application of wax caused excessive rider speed. Tom Bissett, urban district supervisor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, told WDET an exact reopening date has not yet been determined.
“We are currently waiting for the purchase order to be finalized for the landing surface. Once that is in place, the company will provide a timeline for the delivery,” he said.
He says the slide will require safety inspections by state regulators before it can resume operation.
Belle Isle Boathouse, reimagined
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is planning to meet with three private companies to explore ways to save the structure from demolition. The department acquired the boathouse when it acquired Belle Isle in 2014. The boathouse was deemed structurally unsound in August 2022 due to significant deterioration, including a collapsed floor, a caved-in roof and other structural needs, according to the DNR. DNR officials say they are open to keeping the boathouse, but fund are limited. The department began receiving proposals from private companies at the beginning of the year. Formal proposals are due by July 31.
New grant program for culture workers of color
The nonprofit Culture Source is looking to invest $1.5 million in culture workers of color in southeast Michigan. Called the ARC Fund, the program will hand out 74 unrestricted rewards for $15,000 each to spur growth in the careers of culture workers who have experienced historical trends of disadvantage, underrepresentation and oppression due to their race. The organization defines “culture workers” as people who dedicate resources to creative and cultural expression, such as teaching artists, DJs, museum curators, church choir directors and more. To be eligible you must live and work full-time in southeast Michigan and your primary professional focus must be in advancing arts and culture in the community. For more information or to learn how to apply, visit culturesource.org/arc. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, May 24.
Environmentally Beneficial Projects: A Workshop
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is partnering with the city of Detroit and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to hold an in-person workshop with the community to discuss ideas for projects that improve Detroit’s air, land and water. The workshop will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20, at the Eastside Community Network, 4401 Conner St., Detroit. For more information or to register search “environmentally beneficial projects” on the city’s website at detroitmi.gov.
WDET’s Amanda LeClaire contributed to this report.
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