Recreation passports now needed for Detroit's Belle Isle

February marks the anniversary of Belle Isle operating as Michigan's 102nd state park, and as part of the change, state recreation passports are now needed on vehicles to allow access the park.

The state took over the island operation last year as part of a plan to relieve the City of Detroit of the expense of maintaining the park as it went through Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

The recreation passport requirement went into effect Sunday.

During the past year, vehicles could access the island park without a recreation passport until the vehicle owner's next registration renewal date.

Now, officials say, Belle Isle visitors driving without a recreation passport will be required to purchase a window sticker at the park.

Pedestrians, bicyclists and those using public transportation can enter the park for free.

Belle Isle became a state park under a 30-year lease agreement with Detroit. Recreation passports are required for vehicles entering Michigan's state parks.