This October, Great Lakes Segway and West Bloomfield Parks & Rec formed a unique relationship. Instead of GLS advertising and offering Segway tours, WB Parks & Rec took over that role and we brought the Segways to them!

It all started at a Michigan Parks & Recreation Conference. Our Operations Manager, Jody Talbott, met the WB Recreation Operations & Systems Coordinator, Amy DeRosier, and she showed an interest in a joint venture with our Segways and their beautiful park trails.

Not long after that the two met again at the Lakes Area Coffee Connect and were able to schedule a ride with the West Bloomfield Parks employees on their trails.

The employees had a great time and agreed the idea would be a success so Jody and Amy scheduled 5 dates in October for training and tours. One of the dates was on a Saturday, with two separate tours scheduled with Linda, the Naturalist on staff at WB Parks & Rec.

Each of the 3 mile tours began at the Arrow Head Trail entrance, where riders rode the trail to Orchard Lake Road and back.

According to Jody Talbott of GLS, “It was interesting to see the changes in nature from the beginning of October to the end. It also gave good exposure to Great Lakes Segway and was a fun way to expose West Bloomfield’s parks to people who don’t normally use the park.”

In speaking with Amy DeRosier, her sentiments were just as encouraging. “It was cool to see that on each of the tours, most spots filled up. We had every age group out there enjoying the tours.”

Future meetings are scheduled to see how this venture can continue to benefit everyone involved, including the public. Even though we’ve just had our first snow fall, I think everyone would agree that times flies and spring is just around the corner!

Great Lakes Segway was proud to participate in the first of Walled Lake’s Old Downtown Business Trunk or Treat!

According to Mayor Linda Ackley, it was a huge success! The Mayor added, “The recent Trunk or Treat was one of the best family oriented children’s events in Walled Lake’s Old Downtown Business district in many years.”

The Green House, Eddie’s Barrels of Wine, the City, and many others, were all on board in supporting and helping to coordinate the event through the DDA. Thirty-two ‘trunks’ and businesses participated in the event, held on the lot on the SE corner of E. Walled Lake Drive and Pontiac Trail.
Although a “Trunk or Treat” is usually about the treats, this event was not just about the candy. There was a live petting zoo and horse and pony rides. Even the animals dressed for the festivities with their own costumes. The 2 hour event gave the kids plenty of time to take advantage of everything that was offered; the decorate a rock table, decorate a pumpkin table, and a bounce house. The Walled Lake Fire Department was also there allowing the kids to check out one of their fire engines. It was estimated there were around 300 people there.

In Mayor Ackley’s words, “it was agreed by everyone involved that the smiles on the children’s faces meant we had accomplished our goal. There will be another Trunk or Treat next year and hopefully for many years to come.”

Great Lakes Segway looks forward to participating for many years to come!