Sneak Preview: Belle Isle Commons

This September, the Belle Isle Conservancy invites the public to step into the future of Detroit’s most cherished park through Sneak Preview: Belle Isle Commons, an activation during Detroit Month of Design. In partnership with Gehl Architects, this interactive event will transform the cultural heart of the island into a living canvas that brings to life the conceptual plan for The Belle Isle Commons—a reimagined, people-centered public space.

Visitors will journey through a series of “lily pad” installations, each inspired by proposed zones: The Promenade, The Main Plaza, and The Groves. Each space will come alive through storytelling, art, sound, and design elements that celebrate Belle Isle’s historic charm while sparking imagination about its future.

At the core of this experience is public participation. Visitors won’t just observe—they’ll shape what comes next. Through interactive feedback opportunities at each installation, guests will be invited to share ideas, questions, and aspirations for…