Thanks to a $50,000 donation by Platinum Equity (owned by Tom Gores who is known locally for owning the Detroit Pistons), more than 300 new bulbs were replaced on the Belle Isle Bridge with LED lights as well as the large lagoon by the Scott Fountain, just in time for the Fireworks and the Grand Prix.
The results are stunning. They shot a video which we embedded above, but also we hit the bridge after dark to get some close-ups and different views, and we’ve included them below.
The bridge to Belle Isle State Park, technically called the Douglas MacArthur Bridge (so renamed in 1942) is 2,193 feet long and was constructed in 1923 after the previous bridge was destroyed in a fire in 1915.
“It’s important that we all work together to help improve safety and the quality of life for people who live and work in Detroit,” said Gores. “Signature events like the Grand Prix help stimulate the local economy and showcase to the world what a great place we have here.”
This is just the latest improvement to the island. The Grand Prix and related entities have invested $13 million on Belle Isle since in the last six years.
