Here's what's happening at Belle Isle

The state Department of Natural Resources, which manages Belle Isle, gave City Council an annual update Tuesday on the island park's operations.

Our top takeaways:

🚶 The island saw a 7% increase in attendance last year, up to 5.6 million visitors from 5.2 million in 2022, the DNR said.

• It reached full capacity only twice, which the DNR attributes to increasing entrance booth staffing, improved parking and bike lanes, and the new connection to the riverwalk .

💲 Since Michigan took control of the island in 2014, the state and other partners have spent more than $140 million on infrastructure and maintenance improvements. That includes $22 million in fiscal 2023.

• This year, upgrades to 20 restrooms and shelters are expected, plus disability access improvements.

🤔 Council member Fred Durhal III told DNR representatives it's "concerning" that despite Belle Isle's popularity, it's not promoted through the state's Pure Michigan campaign.

• Belle Isle is the second-most visited state park in the U.S. behind Niagara Falls State Park, per the DNR.

🛝 The giant slide that became infamous on social media is coming back after improvements, per the Detroit News .