While we're on the subject, I'll share a short story on here about an experience I had metal detecting in Detroit a few years back.
Two of my detecting buds, Rick and Jim, along with myself, venture out on weekly trips metal detecting from the spring through fall. Usually it works out where we can go maybe 3-4 times a month. We have been doing this since maybe 2006 or 2007.
Anyway, we go to Belle Isle in Detroit maybe 2-4 times per year. Usually a few times in April to early June. Maybe once or twice more in late-September to early November. We choose these times because there are less people on the island. Usually less people equal less problems. When there are parties and stuff, people tend to look at you funny. They have also reported us a few times that we were digging.
On with the story...
Probably 2 or 3 years ago (keep in mind, Detroit has been strapped for cash for quite awhile...this is not a new problem), we went there one day detecting. This DPW worker kept driving by us slow and keeping a keen eye on us. We didn't think much of it. After like 4 or 5 hours detecting...right in front of the police station mind you...a police officer strolls up and starts the small talk. How ya doing? What are you doing? Find much? That sort of thing.
I'm going to paraphrase what happened next. The officer informed us that someone did report us for vandalism (DPW Worker). He said that he watched us for a bit before approaching. He could tell that we were not vandals and that we looked respectful and filled our holes in. So that was cool at least. He goes on to say that he could issue us a ticket for digging in the city park. He said that was like $75-$100 he thought, but didn't really know because he'd never written one before. So I ask him..."When did they make that law? I've never heard of that before. We've been coming here for like 5 years....never had a problem before." The officer stated that the law had actually "been on the books" for like 30+ years, it just hasn't really ever been enforced. He went on to say that they had been told that the mayor wanted to enforce more of these violations because the city was so desperate for money. One my detecting buddies suggested that they put up a booth and charge to get in...even if it was only $1.00. Keep in mind, there are probably a few thousand people that go there a day in the spring and fall. During the summer, way more than that. Even just that small amount of money would keep out some trouble makers and earn the city some money to take care of that park.
Anyway, the officer went on to say the he was NOT going to issue us a ticket, but did say that he couldn't promise that another officer wouldn't do it. He said, just keep a lookout...somebody else may not give you a warning.
We detected for at least 3 more hours, talked to 2 other officers who were both really cool and interested in what we were finding. Neither of them brought up anything about us doing something wrong.
Also of importance are a few other things.
A.) Belle Isle is a trash heap in many places. I've personally witnessed COUNTLESS people throw things AT trash cans, not into them.
B.) That very same day, when we pulled in to our parking place, I stepped out of the truck and noticed a FULL, DIRTY DIAPER laying in the parking space next to us. It was literally less than 10 feet from a trash can. That's nothing more than laziness. And yes...we did mention that to the officer.
C.) Along the edge of the roadways throughout the park, the ground was a little soft from recent rain, so we kind of stayed out of them that day. After the DPW Worker saw that we weren't kicked out...he must've been pissed. He drove his truck onto the grass to get a trash can...its important to note the that trash can wasn't very far onto the grass and less than half full, which could have EASILY been carried...especially by someone probably making over $20.00 per hour. Anyway, he drives on the grass at an angle...then as he leaves he drive out at an angle sinking into the muddy grass. He made two 4-6" DEEP RUTS that extended for probably 50 yards (150 feet).
D.) The officer did state that the CITY WORKER said were "DESTROYING THE PLACE." We went back and told the officer what he had done. We showed him and explained that the guy did more damage in that one instance than us 3 could do together in a whole year digging on that island. He looked equally shocked and disappointed. Just goes to show that the city worker didn't give 2 shiits about that island/park...he just didn't want us there.
DH24
and a metal detector, now might be the time to hit those properties hard. From the sounds of it, Detroit needs a huge influx of currency, and MDers just might be the people to do it lol...
