Michigan DNR Seeks Qualified Bidders to Operate Golf Practice Facility on Detroit’s Belle Isle

2094

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which operates Belle Isle under a 30-year lease with the city of Detroit, is seeking qualified companies to operate and maintain the golf practice range and driving range at Belle Isle State Park in Detroit.

In 2013, as Detroit was dealing with bankruptcy proceedings, the city approved a 30-year lease of Belle Isle State Park. As part of the lease, the state agreed to make up to $20 million in improvements on Belle Isle, much of which has been completed. The lease expires in 2044, and can be renewed for another 15 years if both parties agree to an extension.

The driving range and practice range have been seasonally operated for years, while a nine-hole golf course was closed several years ago and will not be reopened and is not part of the bid proposal.

The nine-acre golf facility allows visitors to work on driving and short-game golf skills. The facility includes a six-hole mini golf course, 30 driving range stations, a chip-and-putt practice area with sand bunkers, and U.S. Golf Association-compliant sand-based putting greens.

Merchandise is available for purchase as well, including gloves, shirts, tees, balls, and other light equipment. The facility is expected to open in April.

The operating opportunity would give the selected bidder the ability to enter into a turnkey contract to run and maintain the facility, located northeast of the Detroit Yacht Club. Bids are due by March 15 at 2 p.m.

“This golf facility adds to the wide range of recreational opportunities available on the island park,” says Ron Olson, chief of DNR parks and recreation. “Belle Isle’s golf facility is unique in its ability to provide the resources needed to improve your golf game, while maintaining its family-friendly atmosphere.”

An on-site meeting, mandatory for all potential bidders, is scheduled for March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Belle Isle Park’s golf facility clubhouse (please follow signs in park).

For more information on this opportunity, contact Lori Ruff at 989-275-5151, ext. 2722006 or ruffl@michigan.gov.

Those interested may view the bid packet as well as a list of other business opportunities in Michigan state parks at www.michigan.gov/stateparkconcessions.