GAYLORD -- Beth Sequin enjoys driving her golf cart when she goes camping. That's why she and her husband bought it.
"My husband is handicapped and is able to leave the site without having to take the car," she said.
New rules will restrict what types of unlicensed motorized devices may be used on interior roads at state parks and recreation areas in Michigan, and will exclude golf carts, motorized skateboards, battery-powered scooters and little, plastic Barbie Jeeps. Mopeds will be allowed because they can be registered with the state or local municipalities, officials said.
The proposed rule change could take place in October, if approved by the director of the state Department of Natural Resources.
"I won't go to a state park anymore, if they're not allowed," said Sequin, of Bay City. "I had hoped to go to Traverse City State Park for a 10-day camping vacation next year, but I'm not if I can't bring my golf cart."
Harold Herta, DNR chief of resource management for parks and recreation, said people with mobility problems may use their transportation devices, but those without handicaps face a possible $50 fine. He said the proposed rule change addresses safety concerns.
"Picture Traverse City State Park and the great, big trucks pulling great, big trailers and they are trying to back up into a site. They are trying to avoid hitting picnic tables and trees. They are not looking down for a four-year-old in a plastic, battery-powered toy car," Herta said. "We haven't squashed anybody yet, but we see this as an issue."
Otsego Lake State Park near Gaylord is managed by Dennis McDermott, who said park officials already monitor safety risks for campers using unlicensed motorized devices.
"Right now, when people have these types of vehicles, we stop them and ask them not to ride around on the roads in the park," he said.
Craig Gulseth, park manager in Traverse City, said virtually every site there is occupied all summer long and with that comes accompanying cars and trucks.
"There's traffic going through this park all the time and we have kids running around on these scooters. We just don't want anyone to get hurt," he said. "Most people are cooperative and understand. They see the traffic in the park, too."
Gulseth said rangers always suggest campers ride bicycles instead of using motorized devices, like golf carts or electric scooters, and the new rule will make the policy official.
"We've been discouraging this all along, but people are saying 'where does it say that I can't?'" Herta said.
The rule change gives state officials enforcement powers, he said, adding they expect to encounter some discontent among campers who use those types of vehicles.
Officials also said that despite the new rule, state park employees will still be driving on the park roads in their golf carts and other lawn equipment.
"That's not a good idea," Sequin said. "If they can use them, why can't the public?"
Herta said state-owned golf carts are used at the parks for public safety and maintenance work because it saves money by not using full-size trucks.
"We trust ourselves not to run over anybody," he said. "It's not that we're being above the law."
