Roosvelt Island Perfect for Segways... and Polo
 

The last NY SEG Group meeting took place at Roosevelt Island (a small island located right next to Manhattan, for those not familiar with the place) to scout out a possible playing field for NY Segway Polo, and we found more than we expected.

The island looks as though it were made for Segways. It's easy to see that the few cars that are even there are not suited for the place... the streets are populated with pedestrians, roller-bladers and bicyclists (and this day, Segways). Two miles long and less than half a mile wide, yet scattered with apartment buildings, shops, and sports complexes, it is truly a microcosm of its big brother, New York City: http://www.skypic.com/newyork/13-3901.jpg

Being so small, the entire place is easily traversed by Segway, but moreover, everyone there loved it. Not only did we not get a single complaint/remark, but just about everyone embraced it. THIS, is a perfect place to prove the Segway as something that's practical. If even a small owner population were established on the island, the NY Seg Group is confident that the Seg would catch on to other residents rapidly. Wouldn't it be great to have such an example for Segway use/acceptance? Whenever someone were to comment that Segways aren't useful, we could simply say: "Look at Roosevelt Island!"

Maybe I'm going too far, but being there, we couldn't help thinking this.

Now, about the Polo...

The field there (Firefighter's Field) is just about perfect. It's not under the same authority as that of Manhattan's fields, yet it affords just about as good a view of the great city as you can get. The grass is very well kept, and it's out of the way of the hustle and bustle of the city itself. The only drawback is that the grass is a little bumpy, although the XT ran great on it.

The easiest way to get to the island is by tram. It's only $4.00 round trip, and the tramway is Segway-friendly!

Obtaining official permission to use the field is being looked into.

http://www.segwaychat.com/photos/Hauptagon/field1.JPG

http://www.segwaychat.com/photos/Hauptagon/field7.JPG

http://www.segwaychat.com/photos/Hauptagon/field3.JPG

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-Justin

"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." -From Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

www.nysegwaypolo.com