The future of the Detroit Grand Prix is up in the air, and the public is now being given a chance to guide upcoming discussions.
A deal struck before the DNR took control of Belle Isle is set to expire after the 2018 race series. The process to decide whether another deal will be struck is now in the works, beginning with a public listening session Wednesday night.
“Public input is a critical step in evaluating the renewal of the agreement with the Grand Prix to use Belle Isle as an event venue,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division Chief.
Olson also noted that he wanted to make sure everyone’s opinions are heard.
That’s why a listening session was scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. on Belle Isle. The event is taking place at the Belle Isle Nature Center. Residents, business owners and all relevant stakeholders are invited to take part.
A presentation will be made at the beginning of the meeting, but public comment will be allowed by those in attendance. Those who speak are asked to limit their comments to a two-minute timeframe.
While the Detroit Grand Prix is a major event that brings thousands of fans and a national television audience, it does not traditionally make money. It does, however, add to the city’s national profile. How the monetary value of the Detroit Grand Prix plays into the DNR’s decision has yet to be seen.
Those who do not attend Wednesday night’s listening session are welcome to send written comments to the DNR. Written comments can be submitted by email to pratts@michigan.gov.
An official deadline is not in place for a decision, but the DNR has previously stated that it hopes to have a decision before the 2018 Detroit Grand Prix.
