Both are longtime local institutions so it’s not surprising that Comerica Bank and its employees have a special bond with Belle Isle.

In recent weeks Comerica colleagues helped spruce up the park during the annual H.U.G. Belle Isle clean-up; took part in Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion Walk around the island; and donned their fanciest
hats at the “Polish the Jewel” Belle Isle Legacy Luncheon. And that doesn’t
even begin to take into account the frequent leisure and recreational visits made by Comerica employees and their family members.

As Detroit celebrates the 130th anniversary of the city’s purchase of Belle
Isle, members of the Comerica family have shared some of their fondest memories of Detroit’s island jewel.

“Belle Isle is very important to me as my memories go way back to my childhood and beyond — skating on the canals, horseback riding, the aquarium, family picnics, swimming in ice water on the bathing beach on Memorial Day weekend and fancy weddings at the casino. And even further back to stories from my parents’ childhoods. My mom and dad were junior high school sweethearts and I have my mom’s diaries from the early and mid 1920s where there are numerous entries like ‘Went skating
at B.I. with R.J.’ I took my own kids there for picnics over the years and last year my son and my 2-year-old grandson walked with me in the MRDI Walk2gether Michigan. Belle Isle is truly a jewel which continues to shine.”
……Marge Wetzel, Business Affairs

“Belle Isle is special to me because I have fond memories of family cookouts where the male members would stake out a prime location, preferably near the giant slide, which was a favorite for all. I remember
my brother and me going fishing with my dad off the pier and making my dad bait my rod every time because I was afraid of the nightcrawlers. My mother would lounge on the grass and read while we fished; it never mattered that we hardly ever caught anything. I believe it is important to preserve Belle Isle so that families can continue to make fond memories for decades into the future.”
……Julie Henley, Corporate Marketing

“Belle Isle is special to me due to years of special memories that I continue to enjoy today — family outings, family reunions, school and church picnics, softball games, the giant slide, the fountain and the beach.  It’s a Detroit jewel blessed with a rich history, easy accessibility, and a beautiful view of the water which may be enjoyed by all ages.”
……Carol Huckleby, Wealth & Institutional
Management

“I grew up Downriver and a trip to Belle Isle for our family was a special event. As a teenager, I remember often coming to the island with my boyfriend and walking around in the fall. One time he tried to teach me how
to drive his 5-speed, stick-shift Mustang on the island, but that wasn’t very successful. As an adult my husband and I visit the island for the nature and beauty. Belle Isle is truly a gem and a piece of serenity in the middle of the city, and it’s so important to have this available for everyone to share.”
……Janice Tessier, Business Affairs

“After many years of forgetting about Belle Isle, I attended the ‘Polish the Jewel’ luncheon and remembered what a jewel we have in our own backyard. I remembered learning to ice skate as a child, feeding the
deer, the aquarium and fishing. I started taking my children to Belle Isle. I pack a picnic lunch, find a quiet open spot near the water’s edge and watch my children play in the summer sun with the breeze blowing off
the water while all of us enjoy childhood. It has become a special place for my family and hopefully my children will be able to reflect and recall how Belle Isle held a special place in their youth as well.”
……Patricia McCann, Civic Affairs