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Parks & Rec Business
| Interpretive Programs Sometimes, all you need is a little lift By Mike George The way Debra Cavallaro, Supervising Interpreter for Kensington Metropark’s Farm Learning Center, describes it, she first began to understand the power of her job on a picture-perfect, bluebell day in August. The park, part of the larger Huron-Clinton Metroparks, was hopping with activities and vendors – all there to help out with the park’s annual Senior Appreciation Day. As she went about her business, doing all those little things you do to help keep a big event running smoothly, she noticed a small group of wheelchair bound seniors (who turned out to be WW II veterans) trying to decide between a boat ride on Kent Lake or a horse-drawn hayride. As she introduced herself and worked to help the group decide, she was struck by how excited they were about even the possibility of taking a hayride. As it turns out, none of the group had ever been on a hayride and assumed, because of their wheelchairs, it would not be possible. With Cavallaro at their side, the seniors decided to test out the new platform lift and give the hayride a try. It was an emotional moment for both the seniors and Cavarallo -- a new experience for them, a new experience for her. As they rode along the trail, Cavallaro narrated – telling them of the natural and cultural history of the area, including amusing anecdotes of the trials and tribulations of early residents. As she describes it, the men were all into the outing, making an emotional and intellectual connection with both Cavallaro and the experience itself. It was powerful. So powerful, some of the veterans teared up, and Cavallaro left with a new understanding of how important access is to those who do not have it readily available. Adaptive Programming – One Example Our hayride program, only one of many adaptive programs we operate in the Huron-Clinton Metroparks system, is the most popular. So popular, we operate it at two locations, year-round, allowing visitors to take part in an interesting and fun activity appropriate for individuals or families. The rides are built around seasonal themes. For example, as the leaves turn red and gold, the hayrides will run to and from our pumpkin patches – allowing children and their parents to join the hunt for that perfect pumpkin and create that all-important jack-o-lantern. Or, for those looking for a different autumn experience, we offer old-fashioned horse-drawn rides where visitors are encouraged to relish the beauty of the season, smell the crisp, cool night air, join in a festive round of singing and stop over at the campfire for snacks, stories or laughs. The arrival of snow doesn’t mean an end to the fun. In winter months, with adequate snow cover, a sleigh ride is an unforgettable experience. Visitors can snuggle under warm blankets and relax to the sound of sleigh bells jingling as they glide on snow covered, forested trails. A horse drawn sleigh ride is a true Michigan winter adventure anyone of any age group can enjoy. Visitors bask in the essence of the season on their “winter wonderland” tour. It’s magical, and when you open the experience to everyone, it’s also powerful. True Horse Power One word of caution: if you’re thinking of offering a hayride in your community this fall, I would recommend, if at all possible, that you offer a true, horse-drawn experience instead of a tractor-pulled wagon. We find our visitors come from many miles around, just to experience the relaxing, friendly, quiet ride offered by the ever-dwindling horse-drawn experience. There is a certain excitement associated with taking part in a horse-drawn ride, especially for returning visitors who have become familiar with the gentle giants that pull the big wagons. Passengers might hear the teamster call out “gee” or “haw” to Charlie and Darcy, both Percheron draft horses, or to Bertha and Annie, a mother/daughter team of Belgians. Horse drawn hayrides can give us the opportunity to travel back in time to an era when this mode of transportation was a normal part of everyone’s daily life. Maybe it’s this chance to “see what it used to be like” that draws people again and again to take part in this exhilarating endeavor. Michael George is Chief of Interpretive Services for Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA), overseeing 13 interpretive programs. He can be reached at mike.george@metroparks.com. HCMA is a regional park district located in the Detroit metro area. The system of 13 parks encompasses 25,000 acres of land and water. HCMA is dedicated to the management, recreational activities and stewardship of the parks in its care. For further information, please visit www.metropaks.com. |
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