Though I'm only now becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the many resources my city of birth has, this certainly comes at an awful time.  I would very much like to see every institution dedicated to the cultural preservation of our city saved as well as and opportunity to explore these attractions on my own.  I sincerely hope a resolution is found.  If we can save painted whales on the side of the David Broderick building, surely we can save live fish and the aquarium.

PLEASE! Do NOT close the Belle Isle Aquarium. I love that place. It's beautiful. I have been going there since I was a little  kid. It may not be on the scale of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, or the aquarium in Tennessee, but that is its' charm. The fact that it's the oldest aquarium in the country makes it significant and very special. This is a quality of life issue in Detroit. We can't just keep shutting things down, boarding them up and leaving them to rot. We have done far too much of that already. If Detroit keeps this up, there really is no point in even living here.

I am in deeply angered by the fact that the Detroit (Royal Oak) Zoo is planning on shutting down the Belle Isle Aquarium.  I have visited the aquarium twice in the last year and each time, there were many visitors present.  This IS NOT a case of lack of paying visitors; it's a case of the Royal Oak Zoo (oops,I mean Detroit zoo) wanting everything together in one location.  I am interested in doing anything I can to help stop the closing of the aquarium.  Detroit doesn't need another abandon building.

Why not bring in additional volunteer staff in order to maintain the facility.  Certainly GDAS would be a good start with the hobbyists.  Why not additional programming not limited to music, dinners, lectures, strolling cocktail parties, etc.  This is a perfect opportunity for a nonprofit structure to be put in place to operate the facility.  
 

I LOVE THAT AQUARIUM!!!
 

WHY DON'T THEY GET RID OF THE MAYOR?!
 

Why not get rid of the mayor's overpaid 'hangers-on' instead!
 

The aquarium is a rare and beautiful historical site that countless generations have admired and loved - KEEP IT GOING!!
 

We need to keep that things that are unique and great about Detroit alive!
 

Ready to fight the good fight.

The Belle Isle Aquarium should be treated as a National Landmark!  It should be protected, just as other historic places because it is a piece of American history will never be duplicated.  The Aquarium is SO MUCH MORE than an aquarium - it is memories, it is dreams, it is life in Detroit at its most peaceful!!  It MUST remain open!!!!

How can Detroit cut off its nose to spite its face? Save the Aquarium!

What's next to go, the library, the DIA?

It would be a real loss to the City of Detroit and all of the residents of Michigan to lose this 101 year old landmark.  It is the oldest aquarium in the country, and a treasure of the City of Detroit, that should be preserved for future generations.  The only reason for the drop in attendance this past year, is the zoo director closed the Belle Isle Zoo, which drew more people to the Island for visits to the zoo, Aquarium and Conservatory.  What will Belle Isle have to offer in the future.....NOTHING!! WHAT A SHAME!!!!

The Zoo is becoming less and less of a Detroit icon as it removes its operations from Belle Isle.  The Aquarium is not only a historical building but a great educational tool and visitor attraction.

I am willing to donate some time.  I am already a non-profit professional so I may have some skills that are needed.

I am intensely saddened by the news that the historic Belle Isle Aquarium may close and I am willing to do anything within my power to prevent it from doing so. We must save this aquarium for our children and their children.

I think this is the most insanely stupid things to happen yet. I am not happy with our Mayor but, if this happens they all need to be impeached. I think they are all crooks.

For our children's' sake!

My heart sank at the news. How can we let such a gem go to the wayside. I don't know how we can do it, but I'd like to see what we can do. I'm tired of being culturally assaulted by the powers that be. Maybe I could get the Waldorf School involved.

It is a sad day when a city must sacrifice its  Aquarium in order to balance its books.

I may not be a resident of the city, but still a regular at the wonderful island of Belle Isle. I have been visiting the island since a small girl and still amazed at what wonderful species reside in the aquarium.  I have brought out-of-state friends to marvel at this site as well.  Actually, its surprising how many non-Detroiters actually do visit the aquarium (this would pertain to sightseers and tourists). Sentencing the aquarium for termination would just continue to hurt the city in what it has to offer as means to sightseeing and entertainment.  Please allow those that have admiration to the seemingly scarce beautiful things in Detroit to remain open.  What does Detroit have to offer after all its fascinating buildings are closed?         Nothing.

Our family enjoys the Aquarium several times each year and would find less reason to visit Detroit if it were closed.

I love the Aquarium! I am 45 and cannot think of a single year I have not visited. It is one of the only peaceful places left in our city.

Glad to see you take up this fight.

You would think one of those darn casinos could keep it going with a total of 3-hours of their earnings.

Where exactly is all that additional revenue going?  And the stadiums?

Douglas Barnett"

It's sad to hear they are closing the oldest aquarium around - what are they thinking?  All the major cities have an aquarium - they want to make Detroit a city that people visit so why are they taking away the attractions!!! Let me know if I can help fight!

Yes!!! Please keep it open. Detroit need all the beauty it can.

I think Mayor Kil(detroit)patrick is corrupt and has destroyed everything Dennis Archer had done for our community.

There must be another way.  This is obviously a landmark of significant historic and educational value, even aside from its incredible beauty.  I'm interested in discussing alternatives.  There must be a way to find enough money, perhaps through private avenues, to not only to sustain the aquarium, but to make steps towards restoration.  

Please contact me to help. I have taken my children to the aquarium many times and I hate the idea that it is supposed to be closed. 

The aquarium is one of our last treasures from the past.  Such and beautiful and unique place.  We must save it.

Let me know what I can do to help. 

Please do reconsider closing the Belle Isle Aquarium.  Look no further than Cleveland or Baltimore to remind us of the progress still to be made. Do not relinquish what gains we have made

My children love the Belle Isle Aquarium.  We live Downriver and it is closer than the main zoo and not a crowded

There are too few opportunities now for education for our children.  Please do not deny them another one!!!!!!!!!

I find this to be extremely upsetting that the City Council and the Mayor would just give up and close the Aquarium for no other reason than to "save money".  The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in North America and deserves to be treated with the same respect and honor as any other significant landmark in the city.  I understand that the city needs to generate income, but at what cost the loss of such a historic landmark is reprehensible, to say the least.  The Aquarium is not given its proper respect by the city let alone Zoo management, it should be used more by the local schools, so what if it is older and not as "pleasant" as some of the newer aquariums, but as is said never judge a book by its cover.  I have found the staff at the Belle Isle aquarium to be some of the most well informed and educated in the field of marine biology.  To Close the Aquarium due to "budget constraints" is to do a great disservice to the city and its residents.

Don't do this terrible thing. The Aquarium has been a force for education and pleasure for so many years. Cut something else....but not this. Save it for the children of the city.

I am very upset when I heard about the Belle Isle Aquarium closing. I love going to the aquarium and it is a big part of my life. I have been visiting the aquarium

 since I was a baby and every time I visit I love it more and more... Please I will do anything to help to keep the Belle Isle aquarium open! Picketing, sit in anything!"

Once those doors close, that's it, another ruin. The money involved pales in comparison to what is spent on patronage and no-show jobs for friends of the mayor, councilman Bates and others. This is a travesty and is inexcusable.

what a shame to close such a beautiful place. It should stay open for another hundred years!!! 

It is truly unfortunate that Detroit, and especially the leadership at the Detroit Zoo (specifically Ron Kagan), is turning its back on yet another cultural and historic gem.  Why is it that the Zoo is able to raise millions of dollars in fundraising over the past few years (construction of a new Amphibian Center, polar bear exhibit, enormous education building, and hospital), but has NOT attempted to raise a dime to help its most historical asset?  Why did the Zoo close down the Belle Isle Zoo, only to promise a new 'belle Isle Nature Zoo' nearly four years ago, which is still nowhere near completion?  Why has the Zoo spent hundreds of thousands of dollars keeping over 200 common foreign fallow deer penned up on Belle Isle?  Could none of these wasteful enterprises not afford to be sacrificed to help save the Belle Isle Aquarium?  What about all the wonderful conservation of endangered species, education, history, and entertainment this facility has to offer?  Not every city is fortunate enough to have an aquarium, big or small.  Why doesn't the City, and The Detroit Zoo, expend any effort on promoting this unique facility?  The answer to all of these questions is obvious.  The leadership at the Detroit Zoo, which the CITIZENS of DETROIT fund, is turning its back on the very people that make its existence possible because they don't know how or choose not to market the island facilities.  If its not brand new and located in suburbia, they don't want it but will gladly keep the name "Detroit" because that's where the majority of their funding comes from.  Sure, there is talk of building a new waterfront aquarium in the city but where will the money come from?  If the city cant afford a ╜ million a year aquarium, and is slashing the budget at the Zoo, then what makes them think they can possibly afford a giant new aquarium costing over $100 million?  Its time to stop destroying the last few things in Detroit that have any value, and start preserving and promoting our treasures.

Please keep the aquarium.

JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF INCOMPETENCE ON THE PART OF CITY GOVERNMENT.  FIDDLING WHILE ROME BURNS.  INSTEAD OF IMPOSING A FIXED, AFFORDABLE ANNUAL PASS OR DAILY MAINTENANCE FEE FOR PARK USE, THEY LET THE PLACE FALL APART TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE WILL BE NO REASON TO VISIT EXCEPT TO DRIVE AROUND AND LOOK AT THE VIEWS.  

THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT COULD AND WOULD WORK IF ONLY THERE WAS EVEN ONE BRAIN AND ANY SENSE OF CIVIC DUTY AMONGST THAT BUNCH OF IDIOTS AND THIEVES CALLED THE DETROIT  COMMON COUNCIL. "

We need more of this type of attraction in the city and why not advertise it?  The funding should come from private funds.

The closing of the place would be a very bad mark on the City Of Detroit...the place could be used to generate revenue for the City if used properly, I won't vote for those that end it.

I've visited, and I loved it

this was one of the first place we visited with our kids when we moved to Michigan and took our families there when we visit3ed us.. this saddens me

We can not let this happen!

Another landmark destine to close? I hope not, hopefully there is a charitable organization that can help. There's got to be something out there that can help raise the funds to keep the doors open. 

I will forward this page to my everyone on my e-mail list and hopefully they will do the same--bound to get some idea's.

This was the largest aquarium in the US when It was built a hundred years ago.  that's got to count for something.  are there no federal programs to protect such landmarks?  Could a toll be added to the belle isle bridge to bridge the budget gaps?  Lets not let what happened to the boat club happen to the aquarium!

The Aquarium Is an Important Part of the City, The Programs they Have are Very Enjoyable and to close it would make others who Love it go elsewhere to teach their Children of Nature and its Happenings, Please Don't close such an Important Part of the City's Culture and History. Thank you for Your time.

The Aquarium Is an Important Part of the City, The Programs they Have are Very Enjoyable and to close it would make others who Love it go elsewhere to teach their Children of Nature and its Happenings, Please Don't close such an Important Part of the City's Culture and History. Thank you for Your time.

Please let me know if there is any way we can help keep the aquarium open!

The closing of our Aquarium is arbitrary and insensitive to the children of the metro area. The administration wishes to chop off the head to cure the headache.... 

My family is a strong supporter of Belle Isle & The Aquarium and the Detroit Zoo. We go to the Detroit  Zoo on a regularly.  We also take our children to Belle Isle and the Aquarium and will do whatever we can to keep the Aquarium open.  

I grew up in Highland Park, and now live in Texas.  The people of Texas, would give there right arm, and there left arm, also, just to have one of the Jewels of Detroit, eg, The aquarium, Belle Isle, Palmer Parm, et al.  Why are you going to close, and probity kill, one of our heritage sights?  There has to be a way, to keep the Aquarium open.  ask Mike Illich for money, he has enough to spare, now that the Red Wings are not playing.  On season of the red Wings payroll, will keep it open for another ten years."

save the aquarium!

Do you think it may be possible to solicit a corporation or corporations to underwrite the aquarium? Just a thought...

There are many areas where budget cuts can be made...Please do not take from an organization that does so much good for it's inhabitants and the community.

We need a new mayor! His priorities tend to be that of a 14 year old's. (Maybe 16)

If necessary, a fee should charged that will cover the cost of keeping the aquarium open.  People spends tons of money on junk.  I think those same people would spend it on visiting the aquarium.

This is an institution we need to save.  I have fond memories of the electric eel and have visited w/my kids.  Let's not let this turn into another vacant landmark in our city.

We love the aquarium! It is the perfect place to bring kids because it is not so gigantic like other city aquariums. You cannot close this hidden treasure.

I can't believe anyone would choose the Aquarium as a logical budget cutting choice. The Aquarium is a destination all by itself. My wife and I have been taking our son there since he was 1, and have made a point to bring out of town guests there as well. It is truly a jewel of the city, and to close it just as the country will be looking at Detroit for the SuperBowl and All-Star Game, they are going to be closing one of the few gems left in the city. Shame on whoever came up with this shortsighted plan. How about less limousines and entourage for Hizzoners family? No that's too sacrosanct to cut.

I LOVE the aquarium! I take my classes there, my nephews, and my grandchildren. And sometimes I just stop by myself.

The Belle Isle Aquarium is one of Detroit's most historic and intact buildings.   The City closed it without even trying to get support and fundraise for its survival.

This is an outrage to close such a historic aquarium. In fact, I believe it's the oldest in the nation. I've visited this beautiful aquarium and it would definitely be sad to loose yet another jewel in Detroit's crown. 

As a resident of Detroit, I'm very sadden by this.  My two year daughter loves the aquarium so much, we went there many Saturdays last summer, and would continue to do so.  This is not the way to fix Detroit's financial problems.  Government acts like this are driving out residence that WANT to live and spend money in Detroit, but ultimately we will leave for a place with a vibrant urban environment.

Valuable resources like these are more important than balancing the financial books.....keep the aquarium open and remember another of the reasons the state can be proud. The work is too worthwhile to lose and is a credit to those who work in the aquarium and all who support it. Credit where it's due.....and credit to those who make it a resource to be proud of.

Keep this important inner city teaching tool part of the community.  Please help set up and allow a non-profit/ volunteers to run, update and improve a major resource to the region.

Let's keep things that are positive about Detroit a constant and start getting rid of the negative.  All large cities have aquariums, to take ours away would do yet another injustice to an already drowning metropolis.  Tear down some of the broken down abandoned buildings in the city, dismantle a corrupt government, close down the crack and drug trade.  This aquarium is one of the few historical buildings that hasn't been gutted, we need to do whatever we can to save it!

Save the aquarium!  What can we do to help?

Does it really cost the city $500,000 a year to keep the aquarium running? That figure seems too high.  I know the city is hurting & looking for ways to cut costs, but can't they re-evaluate this decision & find alternatives to keep it open?  

The aquarium is one of the great wonders of Belle Isle & Detroit.  

This is one of the dumbest moves ever for Detroit.  Why doesn't the city advertise & promote the aquarium more?  That would get people in the door. 

This is the oldest freshwater aquarium in the United States.  

What is the mayor thinking by closing it down?  

How sad this would be to close the aquarium.  Sometimes that is the only reason we go to Belle Isle, especially in the winter.  We just went there over this weekend and it was crowded in there.

Living in northern Michigan, the ONLY opportunity we have to gain any "culture" is on our trips to Detroit. We pay the high car insurance because of Detroit's base. Over and over, northern Michigan suffers because of the Detroit base things are linked to. When Detroit decides to take away the benefits...that means we get even less for our tax dollars. I am tired of "making up for Detroit's record" and getting nothing in return. Please....do not take away what little returns we in northern Michigan have for being linked to the "big city." If we have to "pick up the tab," then at least provide some of the benefits!!!

Many of the animals at the BIA will find no homes at other accredited aquariums.  Many of the rare Mexican fish, especially, are not kept/bred successfully at other facilities, and may have to be euthanized if no homes at other facilities can be found.  The aquarium should be kept open for the people of Detroit until a new aquarium is built (if that indeed ever happens) downtown.  At that time, the "old" BIA should be rehabbed for other uses, and not torn down, as it is a genuine historic structure.  The operating cost of this incredible facility is tiny compared to other city departments, and it provides a service to the residents that they can't find elsewhere.  Keep the aquarium OPEN!

I strongly support the effort to fight the closing of the Belle Isle Zoo. I am from Germany, came to the USA five years ago. Immediately this beautiful Island took my heart although it is a landmark of ruin. Still my family and I are frequently visiting and trying to imaging how beautiful this once must have been. The Belle Isle Zoo is our regularly program- don't let this piece of history and social gathering point for everybody go down. That's the wrong sign!!!

The Bell Isle Aquarium has always provided a unique opportunity to see the fascinating creatures that live below the water's surface.  It has been an experience that I have been able to share with many of the underprivileged and at- risk children I have worked with, it would most certainly be a great loss to our community to see it closed.

Please let me know what I can do to help

We should discuss the networking opportunities available thru Creekside Community Development Corporation, Jefferson East Business Association, and the Jefferson Chalmers Citizen District Council. We have a very active community with approximately 3400 households, with many individuals like myself who like to visit the Island and when it comes to community development, list it with the other reasons to invest in this neighborhood. 

What a shame to see a Detroit Recreational Institution caught in the budget crunch. Even though I no longer live in Detroit proper and am a "suburbanite" I still visit the Aquarium 1-2 times yearly and have shared it with my 4 year old grandson as it was shared with me at that age 46 years ago.

Detroit has too few genuine recreational attractions not related to sporting events.

Please look long and hard at what you're doing to the image of Detroit, especially at a time when we will be welcoming National and Worldwide visitors into our City for special events.

If charging a higher entry fee to access this facility, then so be it!

Keep this a part of the Greater Detroit Heritage, we few enough Heritage items to be proud of.

KEEP THE AQUARIUM OPEN!!!"

We need to make a proposal to the Windsor City Council for aid to keep open the aquarium. 

Please do not close the Aquarium.  I have traveled from Toledo, Ohio for many years to Belle Isle. This is one of the main attractions that is still enjoyable.  You are taking away a beautiful site.

The aquarium needs to stay open because of the science that is going on there, because of its history and because it is a cultural, educational, entertaining destination for area residents and visitors. This is part of Detroit social equity that we cannot afford to lose.

The aquarium needs to stay open because of the science that is going on there, because of its history and because it is a cultural, educational, entertaining destination for area residents and visitors. This is part of Detroit's social equity that we cannot afford to lose.

Where will we take our inner-city children to see something other than Detroit garbage?

WE HAVE THE OLDEST AQUARIUM IN THE UNITED STATES  IT  IS STILL  VIABLE. WHY  GET RID  OF  IT PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER

TO VISIT  OUR FAMILIES  CAN VISIT THE ISLAND AND HAVE EXPOSURE TO THIS AQUARIUM WHO MAY NEVER HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE AS A FAMILY. WITH SUPPORT AND GOOD PR WE COULD KEEP THIS PLACE ON THE MAP  AN AQUARIUM DOWNTOWN , COUPLED WITH HIGH ADMISSION FEES AND PARKING  WOULD ONLY DISCOURAGE FAMILIES AND OVERALL THE CITIZENS OF DETROIT FROM ENJOYING THIS 100 YEAR OLD HISTORIC  PLACE.

I've enjoyed the aquarium and the zoo at Belle Isle, especially as a child.  This exhibit represents a living form of art and provides education and wonderment of the larger world in which we live.  It was a factor in my choosing to become a fisheries biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Please allow the Friends of Belle Isle an opportunity to raise funds to keep this treasure open

Does the City even have a plan for the building or will it simply add to the list of blighted, abandoned buildings throughout Detroit?

I was very sorry to read the news that the Aquarium will be closing after 101 years.  What a tragic loss indeed!

This is a historical treasure. Don't erase history because of faulty financing. It's completely unfair. Of course we need a dozen sporting fields... as the Pontiac Silverdome and Tiger Stadium sit alone. Talk about a waste.

I used to visit the aquarium often when my son was young. It was one of the few places in the city to have a great family day!

What a shame that the city officials of Detroit can scam, deprive and desecrate a once great city and a great people. Does it make sense to take away the good of Detroit in order to pad the wallets of those leeching off of the city?

Keep the aquarium open.  It is an old but wonderful facility.  So nice to do with little children since the size is very manageable.  Not everything needs to be new and huge.

Our Aquarium is the first in the USA! I hope funds can be found (FEDERAL?) to keep it thriving.

What a terrible thing, to close the Aquarium.........a valuable resource!

It is very sad to see so much of the cultural enrichment of the city of Detroit disappear. without these institutions how do we find ways to open the eyes of the youth and inspire them. the arts and sciences are what touch children in ways that may steer their futures into something more meaningful. an open educated mind thinks beyond oneself and with tolerance and makes them less likely to follow a self-destructive path. also I think as we loose the gems that this city was built upon it becomes less desirable a place for any outsider to ever want to visit, invest in or consider living. haven't we seen the Detroit population shrink as other major cities in America continue to grow. this could be a good example of why that is happening.  

Why not charge a small entry to the island fee?  This could help with maintenance costs for the aquarium as well as the entire island.

This aquarium is an incredible Detroit treasure.  Please do let this place disappear!

The aquarium is one of the oldest and neatest left. I hope the city can find a benefactor or work creatively to find grant money. I would be glad to help organize a fundraiser (I have the experience). Please contact me to help save this wonderful Detroit gem.

I grew up in Lafayette Park going to the Aquarium on weekends.  Its a gem that should never be closed down.  Why don't we institute a fee system upon entering the park, or even establish a yearly fee.  There are ways to create resources, but I think there are those out there who never want Detroit to prosper.

I think Belle Isle and the Aquarium are among the few gems in Detroit.  Thousands of people a year go to the aquarium.  It's so available to anyone.    Keep it!

Shame Shame on the city!! what a great institution, Let's not let it close

Family entertainment, Historical, Science, Nature, Educational, 

There's no replacing this building. Detroit's aquarium belongs on Belle Isle.

Don't close the doors and turn your back on history!

This is truly a Detroit treasure worth fighting for!  It really just needs to be promoted more.

Keep It Open!!!

How is it that the City can pay for artificial snow for ice-capades when there's no money to maintain such an important and long-loved city attraction?

We used to go to the Aquarium when we were kids; we loved it. People go all the time, even now.  Cities need zoos and aquariums, flower gardens, parks, art and music.  It is more important than ever to maintain beauty and art! This is bad news for the city. Taking away things people enjoy is never right.  It is not cost-effective; we already know that closing schools, laying off teachers and now closing the Aquarium will only have negative consequences. There is no logic in this; funds can be made for the Aquarium, and volunteers and others would and will help maintain it.  Leave it open, Detroit needs this Aquarium! We all can volunteer to help out, enough people should care and will care about this.

As with any aging building, unless funding is available for repairs and restoration, the building will eventually need to be torn down. I work at the 3rd oldest aquarium in the US, and we too are small. However, we are constantly changing, adding new exhibits, refurbishing old ones, etc etc. Unless an aquarium moves forward, its dead in the water. I wonder where the Aquarium figured in the long range and strategic planning processes at the Zoo? Surely such issues were discussed? Unless of course, the decision to close the Aquarium was made long before. I find it hard to accept that the few dollars saved will help offset the HUGE deficit incurred by the city so far in any meaningful way. I encourage the FOBIA to contact the Dallas Aquarium at FairPark, another small aquarium in an old historic building managed from within a zoo ... I am sure they have faced many of the issues you are now.

I feel that the aquarium is a major part of Detroit and that u should keep it open.

The aquarium is a reason for people who don't live in Detroit to come visit and get to see an amazing old building and interesting aquatic life for only a small amount of money. Please please please don't let this happen to the aquarium. We don't want the positive aspects of Detroit to drop away while the negative get all the funding.

where is the eel going to go?!!?  I love that thing, it has been there my whole life

instead of closing the aquarium, make an advertising investment, and get people down here to enjoy the aquarium, like Chicago does. probably no one in the suburbs even knows this place exists, I never see it advertised!

Save the Aquarium

It would be devastating for the Aquarium to close.

Please, I have been going to this aquarium for years!  We need to work to keep it open!  I will do any kind of volunteering!   

Wow, haven't been to the aquarium since I was a kid, but I still remember the huge glass dome of the building. Crazy that they would want to shut something so historical down as usual.

MUST KEEP THE AQUARIUM OPEN. BRING MY GRANDKIDS DOWN EACH AND EVERY SUMMER TO VISIT.

What's next? Being from Europe, I think it's a shame how a former beautiful city is run down! You NEED places like the Aquarium  to give people hope  that Detroit  can still be called a city, and not a dump. 

I cannot believe anyone could allow the Aquarium to be closed down I wish Kalamazoo could have one it is as important as the Ball Park and the Library and the Beaches!

I am appalled that anyone would want to close one of our nations oldest aquariums that also breeds endangered fish. I took a friend from Germany to visit Belle Isle and the aquarium and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Don't close down this important historic site!

As a former employee of the Belle Isle Aquarium and the City of Detroit, I know on a first hand basis how important the Belle Isle Aquarium is to the city and the state of Michigan.  Belle Isle provides daily education and recreation to many children and adults alike.  It serves as a landmark in Zoological and Aquarium history.  Annually, the work done by BIA employees provides conservation benefits locally and all around the world.  Closing it would be a disgrace and a shame.  

the aquarium should not be closed.  it is a Detroit institution.

I love the aquarium,  and find it very sad that the city would close such a lovely place for residents to enjoy themselves

What a sad day for Detroit and the whole country if this treasure is closed.  Keep up the Fight!

After putting to death all of the deer on Belle Isle, why would we be surprised to see the Mayor and his staff close the aquarium?  Forget that it is the oldest continuously operating aquarium in the United States.  It does not serve the Kilpatrick administration to keep it.  It was the same administration that chose to close the belle isle zoo. The mayor is probably closing it because his thugs could not get in with their weapons.  Maybe the deer licked one of the Kilpatrick kids and look what happened to them.  It is a shame that Detroit has become such a cultural wasteland for drug users and thug mayors. I wonder if the mayor or his thugs will flush all those fish down the preverbal toilet like they did the deer population at the island.  Jim Langhammer we need you back!

I got visit there when I lived in Mi.  Don't shut an important part of learning and letting a child experience the ocean, even if it through glass.

I am an avid fish keeper and it pains me to see the Belle Isle Aquarium go under. (no pun intended) Some of the fish at Belle Isle are rather elderly and moving fish is risky with young frisky ones.  It would be a shame to loose beautiful giant specimens of fish simply because they have to be moved.  What about a temporary relocation to the Detroit Zoo?  Surely they could help out here. What about selling Carlita's new Escalade for the upkeep.

This is a terrible loss !!!not only a historical monument, but a leader in conservation !! Please save belle isle aquarium !

This aquarium has been around so long, and done so much to help preserve aquatic species. Why would you want to close it? To save a little money?. Look around the Detroit area, there are very few things that most of us would go near Detroit for, and you want to shut down one of the best. It really makes me sad that you put money first.

Please don'hgt close this aquarium, as we need something we can call our own in the way of wildlife.  If we do, what's next?  We should again bring before the voters a petition to pay per car to get onto the island.  This will not only help with the aquarium, but reopen the refreshment stands, clean up the park, upgrade the park, reopen canoeing and even horseback riding; all things that have diminished over the years.

I love this aquarium. It reminds me of the one in Cleveland when I was a little girl, many years ago. It must not close! My daughters love it!

The Aquarium stands as a historical landmark, and should be kept open.  It's provided culture to the city in the past and with the proper attention can provide the same culture to today's youth, much like the Detroit Science Center does now.

Ever think of running a Conservancy for the Aquarium; i.e. like the Botanical Society or Campus Martius or Riverfront?  Has this option been explored and is it feasible.  "

The Belle Isle Aquarium is a great resource for the city's youth.  Let's not take it away from them!  Where else in the city can the kids see an electric eel or a stingray for the first time?  It's a great and historic thing and if we don't save it, it will go the way of so many other resources on Belle Isle--to be just a dark reminder of what we once had and have now lost.

Every major city in the U.S., if not the world should have and does have a world class aquarium!! 

I will be among those to help keep this gem on the piece of real estate known as a the city's gem! Thank you for your time..."

Do not close the AWESOME Belle Isle Aquarium!

This is a Detroit icon created by one the greatest architects of all time. Let's not lose its super heritage as the first aquarium in the USA.

If we allow the Hard Rock Cafe to open a joint on Belle Isle can we keep the aquarium? Huh? Please?

private donations, fund raiser? lets not 100 years of history died at the hands of  "kill"-patrick.

? why

I am the organizer of the Aquarium Society of Ann Arbor. Our group has been expressing deep concern over the closing.

I think its a shame that the city can't find the means to keep such a gem open.  If you take away all of the attractions on Belle Isle, what makes it any different than any other park?  I have taken many friends to the aquarium and conservatory in past years, I'd hate to see it go away.

The oldest aquarium in North America.  I have gone there since I was a child and now take my child, from Lake Orion now.  So the City wants people from the suburbs to frequent the city, well they sure are going about it in an intelligent way, not!

I would love to help you in any way - please keep me informed.

I have great memories of the Belle Isle Aquarium. I would hate for my children not to have that opportunity.

Belle Isle has already lost so many fabulous attractions and places that inspire and delight people.  We have the old boat club sitting, rotting away.  Don't kill the fishes, too!

The oldest aquarium in North America.  I have gone there since I was a child and now take my child, from Lake Orion now.  So the City wants people from the suburbs to frequent the city, well they sure are going about it in an intelligent way, not!

What Corporation is willing to take up the gauntlet and fund this worthy treasure in the heart of the city.  

No, no, no!  Don't let it happen!!!! The aquarium is, BAR NONE, my favorite place in Detroit. Let me know how I can help prevent this from happening!

Wendy Case, local musician, journalist, Aquarium lover"

Why are we getting rid of our educational recourses in a time of need?  Don't we need education in order to improve and rise up?  I think closing the aquarium would do us more harm in the long run.  Why can't we charge a small fee to get on the island to begin with?  It would create revenue to help keep up the island, a charge would keep most of the riffraff off, and we would be no different than other major cities.  Isn't there anything else we could do with out?

I am presently working on a proposal to be submitted to the Detroit City Council to make the island self sustaining. Please contact me ASAP! I work for HP Devco and we have met on several occasions.

Being a new resident of downtown Detroit, it would be a shame to see such an important landmark and beautiful building close so close to the re-birth of the downtown area.  PLEASE KEEP IT OPEN!

I can't believe this.  It's bad enough that the Detroit Zoo isn't even in Detroit, but in Royal Oak!  I think that Detroit is not very animal friendly.

Save the Aquarium.

How about the impeachment of that clown Kilpatrick we can use his salary to keep the Aquarium open as well as pay for a new mayor for the city of Detroit.

It is so unfortunate that yet another wonderful landmark on Belle Isle is slated to close.  Seems like the city could have used some of the money they  have spent for the "Winter Blast" or the money that was spent securing a $57,000 vehicle for the Mayor's wife...(oh, my bad...that car (it was said) was for police use) to fund the aquarium.  Canoe rentals....the horse stables....the zoo...what next.....the entire Island?

Its amazing how such a great place in the city of Detroit for its citizens can be taken away. We need more than new cars to complete us. The Aquarium was my first field trip in elementary school. Also it was the first trip I talked my teacher a catholic nun from ssumption grotto to take us in the city. What else can the powers that be take away.

A civilization is measured by its culture.  If Belle Isle Aquarium closes, it is one more reason not to ever venture into Detroit.  Belle Isle is one of the few remaining great things about the city.  Shame on you Director Kagen, shame on you Mr. Mayor.  I'm sorry both of you are in office.

I never thought the Detroit free press would publish my letter on 1/19/05, let alone put a picture and a headline on it. as a native Detroiter I am tired of losing our history. hope the letter to the editor helped.

One of my favorite places to visit on a hot summer day!  Let's keep it open

The Belle Isle Aquarium is a part of history.  Why is this Mayor's administration so set on destroying all the resources of the island.  First the Zoo and now the Aquarium. People will not come to the Island if there is nothing left to see or do.  

The money it takes to maintain the Belle Isle Aquarium may seem unwieldy; however, what price do you put on the education that so many Detroit students acquire through experiencing the aquarium. Experts agree, children retain information they receive through real experience at a far higher rate than sitting in a classroom or reading a textbook. There is so much to learn at the Aquarium: biology, environmental science, animal behavior, etc. Please don't rob the students of Detroit, and the people of Detroit of this important resource.

We should be improving it, not closing it.

Unbelievable!

     Still another of the very few remaining ""Detroit Institutions"" to be abandoned.     Shame!

     I have ALWAYS visited both the Belle Isle Aquarium and Flower House both alone and with dozens and dozens of drawing and painting classes.     The loss of this institution (100 years old) will only once again signal the second or third class quality of life in and around Detroit.

     First education, then the arts and now culture......wonder why they don't close the mayor's mansion instead?

     I'm behind you and many, many others I know are as well...I'll let them know!

This cannot happen!  It's an institution, I still remember going to the aquarium when I was a kid, in the 50's.

Why close the aquarium. There are two zoos, why not just consolidate them into one.

Maybe kwame can put a nascar track where the aquarium used to be, or better yet, a HARD ROCK CAFE"

The aquarium should be expanded, not closed.

Keep the Aquarium open!  

It is a restorable building and a Detroit landmark.

Have volunteered at the aquarium...want to save it! Jen

I lived in the Detroit area for 22 years. What is the problem with the Detroit City Council's lack of support for the entire Detroit Zoo & Aquarium? What is it with the string of poor Zoo Directors, Gunther Voss,Steve Graham,Ron Kagan? Where do they dig up these guys? Look into all their pasts & you may see a pattern of poor management. I have been a professional animal keeper & aquarist for 30 years, it is sad to think this can happen. I think it may have started with Steve Graham... It's time to clean the Aquarium, not buy a new one.  Good luck, Jeff Gee / Captive Bred Wildlife Foundation ( Tropical Fish Pond, N. Woodward R.O. MI. 78-91 ) now in AZ.

This isn't some misconceived lumbering dinosaur costing millions, it's a unique and irreplaceable little jewel of a place. 

mayor@mayor.ci.detroit.mi.us found at http://www.heidelberg.org/Pages/Support/raise_voice.html

When friends visited from Toronto the only truly interesting thing I could show them on the island was the aquarium..  what a loss it would be to people of Detroit,
 

The Belle Isle Aquarium is a great place to lean about different types of fish and under water plant life, and about fish that don't belong in the great lakes
 

 I don't understand why the city needs to throw away  another "historic" landmark/institution that if marketed the right way could benefit the community. So were going to spend, what, a 100+ million on a new aquarium not including the jacked up price tag of upkeeping such a "state of the art" facility. I think any amount of money to create such a place could be put to better use.    -Patrick Cavanaugh

The aquarium is a very important part of my and my friends and families childhood if I had any money I would give it to you, have you hit up the paddocks (benefactors for the Belle Isle maritime museum) cheers
 

This aquarium is a undeniable asset to Detroit. None of England's aquariums are as pleasing to the eye, the inside looks well taken care of and so very clean. Brighton aquarium must be about the same age and this place and is an eye sore compared to the belle isle aquarium It would be a great shame to close it.
Craig Ward 
London England
p.s. had to use girl friends email as I never had one/never really need one

Please do not close such an historic aquarium. This place is needed to much to continue housing and breeding the endangered fish species it currently houses.
 

I have never been here, but have heard great things about it and its freshwater stingray breeding. I am a ray enthusiast and would like to keep places like this open.
 

This wonderful piece of history has been a family tradition for 3 generations, it would be a travesty to see one of the few things about Downtown Detroit that are appealing to those outside the city to vanish

WE SHOULD KEEP IT BECAUSE IT IS A LAND MARK AND A HISTORIC BUILDING.
 

When I was a kid a school trip Why should citizens of the suburbs visit Detroit. Anything family affordable is either shut down, or prices raised . The Aquarium is one of a very few jewels that Detroit has left. Belle Isle is Dying. You have aloud the Belle Isle Zoo to close. The nature center is gone . The trip to just not much left for families or school groups to visit on the island. Not many schools visit because the zoo is gone. It's a costly ust vist the aquarium for less than an hour would include the zoo, aquarium, and the nature center, if open. The conservatory was ok, but appreciated much more later in life. Will that be the next jewel of the island to go. Turn Belle Isle back into a family island like it used to be, and the jewel of Detroit will shine again.
 

  Ron Kagan is not a native Detroiter. He could care less about our history. Our pride. Or our future. He acts as if the zoo or aquarium is a splinter in his foot. He can't wait to get it out. I can't wait to get Mr. Kagan out. He is the splinter in the Spirit Of Detroit's foot.
 

   Thanks for reading my frustration about an Island that once was the best thing Detroit and it's suburbs could ever agree on. It was a great place to visit.

a place that breeds endangered species should be funded not shut down
 

If we lose the Belle Isle Aquarium it will be just another tragedy for the City of Detroit.    This simply cannot happen.
 

I was born and grew up in Detroit, We lived in Lafayette Park and the kids went to Chrysler elementary school. we had great times at  Belle Isle, and loved the Aquarium. Let's keep our history alive!! save the aquarium.  Let's not destroy our past. 
 

The Aquarium is a treasure.  Let's work to keep it open.

This is a valued and important community resource. Only the City of Detroit could close such a wonderful place like the Belle Isle Aquarium.  My family and I have visited the Aquarium many times and have come away more enriched each time. 

What ever happened to the fish that cloned itself? 

Couldn't the Aquarium get a federal grant to study this phenomenon by which keeping the institution open?  It is by far the best four dollar value I have ever spent.

Issue: Closing of the Belle Isle Aquarium
Temporary closing?  Cost of mothballing the Belle Isle Aquarium (BIA)
Permanent closing
Loss of piece of the cultural history of Detroit

Belle Isle Aquarium as a cultural institution Value 

Closing BIA shows Detroit can't care for itself

Since the Belle Isle Aquarium has the above value, the BIA should not have to be totally self-supporting.

What are the actual financial numbers for BIA?
Admissions money
Operating costs
Recent renovation costs (are these counted in and artificially inflating the $500,000 per year?)
Expected renovation and repair costs?
Can the Detroit Zoo be trusted to supply accurate financial numbers?
The main zoo has been starving BIA
No advertising
No joint events
No easy link to BIA website
No push for the BIA website
$4 admission charge - 

I feel the BIA should be a Detroit tradition.  A $1 or $2 per head charge would allow local metro people to visit the aquarium every time they are near Bell Isle.

Who are the players?
Who are the decision makers?
What are the critical decision points?
Can BIA be cut from the Detroit Zoo and stand on its own?
Will some other group buy the BIA?

Is talk of a new aquarium a pipe dream and diverting attention from BIA?"

That aquarium is very important to Belle Isle they need to keep it open!!!!!!

I'm a volunteer at the aquarium. Not only will we lose a part of Detroit's history, but the staff will lose their jobs and the animals will have to be transported around the country.
keep it open.

I really think the local council will be doing the City of Detroit a disservice by closing down this revered ichthyological institution.

I was displeased to hear that the Belle Isle Aquarium may be closing. I live in Detroit and have two children. My hope is to continue to live in and support the city; however, I find it increasingly difficult to do when there are few activities and options for children. I hope that every consideration will be given to keeping the aquarium open.
Please add me to the petition to save the aquarium.

The aquarium is awesome!  Too bad people want it closed.

Well,come along kids,get aboard the bus-

there's trouble in town and it's up to us!

It's field trip time, come on let's go-

to the Bell Isle Aquarium to see the show!

With most of the planet under the sea,

it makes a good deal of sense to me...

to get to know up close our finny friends,

without gettin' wet from end to end...

Comin' face to face- across the glass,

with perch and pike and trout and bass;

there's more to meet than shrimp, you see-

no can o'tuna ever winked at me!

This here's real life, not a video game;

there's families of fishes-

 get to know their names...

there's lots to learn,and plenty to see-

but they're closin' the doors,

if they don't hear from me...

So, come and join our merry band!

let's cross that line drawn upon the sand;

remember our friends beneath the waves,

show your support today!

Ricardo Rodgers

I believe that the state of Belle Isle could easily be taken back to a grander time by simply charging a small fee per car. to come on the island.  I'm talking about maybe $2.00 per vehicle and $1.00 for walkers, or a yearly pass.  ALL the money collected to go directly back into the up keep and preservation of our beautiful jewel.  The Belle Isle Aquarium is a landmark of Detroit history and should be maintain as such.  Along with building anew we have to respect our past.
 

How sad to allow the best of Detroit to be sacrificed in order to try and fix a problem that stems from leadership, or rather the lack thereof. Once again the history of Detroit is sacrificed on the altar of what God? The city of Detroit does not gain from this cut. Perhaps each one needs to review the history of this great city and reach into the past to find an answer for the future. In what can Detroiters place pride, faith and loyalty?  Can they  place it in what they perceive to be their self-serving  government, their destroyed neighborhoods, their abandoned historical businesses and churches? I would encourage you to take a good look at this once great city and it's great people and begin to put their best interests at heart. Clean out the true dead weight that is sucking the life from this once beautiful city. It is time to stop padding pockets and start truly doing what is right for the city of Detroit. Far too many good people have suffered at the expense of a few. 

I no longer live in the great city of Detroit, but my youth was spent enjoying a city that was truly cutting edge and historical all at the same time. Preserving the past enhanced the future. I still visit from time to time and am grieved that so few are truly working for the betterment of Detroit. Your people are suffering - it's time to raise the standard.
Keep the aquarium alive!

I don't think Belle Isle needs another abandoned historic building. We need to find ways to provide profit generating activities on Belle Isle as opposed to continuously relying on closing activities to solve budgetary problems. As a Detroit Rec. Department employee, I can confidently say that the City is not doing all it can with Belle Isle or its other recreation treasures. 
 

Zoo Director Kagan was hired to nurture both the Royal Oak Zoo and the Belle Isle Aquarium and Zoo! By effectively cutting all advertising for these facilities, he can now argue "poor attendance"!

The City can save a bundle by cutting the Director's salary if he minimizes his job by closing the Belle Isle facilities!
 

A Friend of the Aquarium: 
I am sickened and outraged that the city has chosen the Belle Isle Aquarium to shut down, in an attempt to manage the bloated and cancerous budget. Clearly there is tax money misspent, thrown away, and stolen by Detroit's administrators. One of the few places where Detroiters actually benefit from paying their taxes is the Belle Isle Aquarium. A priceless educational experience has been enjoyed by the students of Detroit, and its environs, for a century. How can we allow this jonny-come-lately of a mayor and his people to make this decision. There should be laws intact to prevent incompetent and dishonest politicians from ending a hundred-year legacy of education, from casually closing a recreational institution that stands out as a jewel of early 20th-century architecture. History may forget the many scandals of Kilpatrick's reign as mayor, but I believe to many, he will be remembered as the mayor who closed North America's oldest-running aquarium. After being dismantled, how much will it cost to ever reopen? 

This decision has been so cavalierly made as to be almost unbelievable. It is widely reported, and quite obvious, that learning experienced directly by the student is forged into the mind. The model of reading information is the first to be lost by the memory, and lectures will be remembered for only a slightly longer period. Information gained from interactive experiences, like a visit to the aquarium, is retained in the memory for far longer; some pieces of information attained interactively will become forged and never forgotten. Just ask anyone who visited the Belle Isle Aquarium as a child, as I did. It is one exciting experience that is not forgotten. This past summer, I brought my niece there for her first visit. I thought she would become bored before I did. I literally had to drag her out of there because it was closing. I have taken guests from all over America to visit the giant electric eel and the shark who became famous for one of the only recorded events of parthenogenesis. [After conceiving a baby with no male shark in her tank, geneticist from around the country began to study her.] People are uniformly awed by the ornate beauty of the entrance and the elegant design of the interior. Unlike aquariums, like Chicago's Shedd, Belle Isle's has none of the gaudy signs and decoration that turn many aquariums into ugly tourist traps. The tanks are overwhelmed by brightly colored decorations that make each room look like a mini theme-park, i.e., ""The Oceanarium"" or ""The Amazon Room."" Shedd's, like many, has a dolphin theater, where the kids can sit in stadium-like seating and watch dolphins turn tricks for smelt. It's depressing and ridiculous, and there is nothing to learn from it. I have been so proud of our aquarium for not ever selling out to the aquarium as ""theme ride"" model. A visitor can quietly watch the sharks, sea horses and manta rays swim in their appropriate environments. I personally have learned so much about underwater environments, fish behavior and biology in the hours I have spent in the aqua-tiled corridors. I have felt so much pride in showing visitors that the oldest running aquarium is on a beautiful island park in the Detroit river. I have felt so uplifted walking through the ornate entrance of the century-old beauty. I imagine this frustration and sadness is what many Detroiters have experienced over the last 40 years watching their neighborhoods become abandoned, stores close. Tragically, this great feeling of loss may be what defines Detroiters. Hope will be lost for many when the aquarium closes and bitterness will grow in its place.--Sarah Peters

I wish it didn't have to happen.  I spent 6 days per week for 13 of my growing years on the island.  Now I live 70 miles away and still make annual pilgrimages to the aquarium and conservatory at minimum.
Don't let it close!

Is nothing sacred in America today?  Detroit has an architecturally beautiful building, both inside and out.  It has an aquarium that is among the oldest in the world.  This aquarium has inspired children and adults and taught them about the amazing aquatic world for over 100 years.  It breeds endangered species, some of which would be lost to the world if it weren't for such efforts.  So why is this place closing?  Shame on the people who made this decision instead of embracing history, investing in education and supporting conservation.  I hope the voters remember this at election time.

Belle Isle Aquarium was the first aquarium I ever visited as a child. Coming all the way down from Saginaw, Michigan with my family was a great expedition for me as a child and one that I will remember my whole life. As an adult, I have since moved from Michigan but I have made public aquariums my career. I am now a curator at a large aquarium on the east coast. I believe that the positive experience I had at Belle Isle back in the seventies helped mold my career choice and inspire me to do the job I proudly perform today.
 

I hope that the City of Detroit will realize the gem they have in Belle Isle, take the time and compassion to invest in that gem, and make it place of inspiration for generations to come. Keep Belle Isle Aquarium!
 

The Belle Isle Aquarium has bred many endangered and ecologically extinct fish for nearly two decades. These fish have been provided to AZA facilities for many years. Belle Isle staff have been conducting valuable research on Fresh water mussels (the most endangered group of animals in North America).  Many individuals and groups would be very disappointed to see such an institution go away.  

 

Detroit has already lost so much of it's history.  If we continue to let such significant historical and architectural landmarks close we will have no legacy to leave for future generations
 

As a nature lover, and fish in particular I think it's sad to see that Detroit is willing spend money on sports teams while at the same time closing things such as the aquarium.
 

I'll add this on my list of reasons to not visit Detroit."
 

It is an historical as well as magical place.  It would be a great disservice to the city of Detroit  if the aquarium was closed.
 

Please keep this beautiful facility open for the enjoyment of others.
 

I also urge the City of Detroit NOT to close this historic building and GREAT museum.  DETROIT LOVES ITS AQUARIUM!!!!  Mr. Mayor Kilpatrick you closed the Belle Isle Zoo and for what.  The proposed Nature Zoo is still not open to the public nor has the DZI made many strides to make it so.  This is the oldest facility of its type in the country or does this title not mean anything to you.  
 

The Belle Isle Aquarium is a little gem of an institution. It is beautiful architecturally, and important historically. It would be a travesty for it to close! With just a little application of additional resources, every display in that aquarium could be as excellent as at giant aquariums like National Aquarium or Monterrey Bay. What is needed is not closure, but an "Historic restoration" of this beautiful but older facility. I would be delighted to support your efforts to save this venerable and fascinating institution in any way that I can!
 

It would be a shame to lose the wonderful historical Belle Isle Aquarium.  Aquariums are windows into our soul and are often more popular than zoos.  Perhaps there needs to be a refocused effort as to how to make the aquarium more successful rather than closing it?
 

Keep the city's historical treasures!
 

I think the aquarium is an asset to the community, and we should try to save it,  so we can continue to enjoy it.
 

Beyond everyone's emotional attachments to the Aquarium is the fact that it is an integral part of the fabric of a place on the National Register of Historic Districts, and as such, is integral to making the park as a whole work for visitors. its closure without any vision for alternative use guts the cultural heart of the park and damages it as a whole, far beyond the $ cost of operating the Aquarium itself. An abandoned Aquarium building undermines the pedestrian scale mix of uses that defines the urban experience and distinguishes Belle Isle, but is so rare in Detroit. The lack of vision and planning in this announcement is another gross waste of public assets.
 

I have visited the Belle Isle Aquarium every year for over 50 years.  It is a wonderful place!
 

My children, grandchildren and I have all enjoyed the Aquarium and we feel it should not be closed!!!
 

I go to the aquarium every year on my birthday to see the fish 1st, plants 2nd, and the wildlife 3rd. We will hate to see it go, if it does.
 

sure, lets get rid of all things great about Detroit,,,,,,,,,,,,NOT !!!
 

At least we can always come home to be reminded what a RIOT can do after 40yrs"
 

Closing an aquarium that takes up a mere 500k a year isn't going to solve the city's 300 million dollar deficit. If it were actually true, then the Mayor should not lease a 57 K Navigator for his wife.
 

I am strongly against closing the aquarium and suggest that perhaps the council should revisit the possibility of charging a fee the enter the island.  The island has been neglected in many  areas. Security, cleanliness of grounds and lack of bathroom facilities are only a few areas of concern.  Lack of enforcement of rules, lack of security, little to no parking enforcement.  The aquarium isn't the main problem.  The operation of the island is the main problem. Sentiment is admirable but the structure and operation of the island must be reviewed.  A good start may be curtailing operational hours and charging a fee to enter.  Rules and enforcement (like state parks) may be a second step.  Setting priorities and security rank highly.  As a resident Detroiter, I would volunteer to help in the planning.  Perhaps a two year trial period to reorganize would suffice.  But closing a aquarium is not the total initial answer.  Restricting unruly visitors and attracting more families would help also. Developing places to dine and get snacks would also be a consideration.  Consider developing a small-non political group of concerned residents the power to implement a plan on a trial basis before taking this action.  
 

As a former Detroiter and a former teacher in Detroit, I find it heartbreaking to hear of the closing of the Aquarium.  Not only was it always a fun place to visit, it was an educational one as well.  What a loss it will be to the city, its residents, and visitors to Detroit!
 

Every time the city does something right, it does something wrong, like the sociopath adolescent, who cannot stand too many positives in a row. Obviously, the budget is out of whack, the schools are continuing to fail, and on and on, but the super bowl is not the answer. Who do you know has gotten the urge to vacation in Houston? And who would? The same applies to Detroit. This is not a tourist town, but the good thing is the fact that there are enough people here to support all the activities, festivals, cultural and sports events, so that the tourist dollar is not needed. why not acknowledge this fact and focus on those who live in the region, and I mean region, not selectively by municipality. 
 

The city's recovery will be made by cultural advancement, quality of life issues, not by splashy tourism dollars. Who travels here to gamble? And who would?"
 

I am a professional ichthyologist and fish geneticist and in that capacity, as well as a tourist, have visited public aquaria all over the world.  I would rate the Belle Isle aquarium as one of the best I have seen, and I think very highly of the professional acuity and competence of those staff members I have met.  It would be a shame to close this Aquarium down when many of the other ones are simply displays of "charismatic" species with no thought to the biology involved.  This is a truly professional establishment and should be allowed to continue.
 

What do the authorities think they're doing!!?  You guys don't have enough history to just throw it away like that.  At least give this wonderful old place a chance - advertise - let people know it's there to be visited.