Last week we highlighted our new listing at 5605 Halsted Road in West Bloomfield. This week I would like to shed some light on the neighborhood this house is located in and the active area that surrounds it.

Pleasant Lake Highlands is a neighborhood of around 180 homes bordering the South side of Pleasant Lake. All residents have the option of joining the neighborhood’s association and by joining, they will have full access to the lake and beach located within walking distance from every home. This lake is private and allows non-motorized boats such as pontoons, paddle boats, canoes, etc. The subdivision also throws 2 parties a year and all residents are welcome. They feature a summer-time party and fall party, which include fun festivities for all ages.

The West Bloomfield Trail is a 54 acre linear public park that meanders for nearly 7 miles through West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake. The trail extends from Sylvan Manor Park in the east to Haggerty Road in the west.  This former railroad corridor has been purchased and developed over the years with the assistance of grants from the Michigan DNR and the Michigan DOT.  The West Bloomfield Trail is part of a larger network of trail systems that are planned to go from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. If you continue northeast from the Sylvan Manor Park end of the trail, you will be following the Clinton River Trail, which connects with Paint Creek Trailway and Macomb Orchard Trail.

Karner Farm is an historic West Bloomfield landmark, now home to an off-leash dog park and community gardens. There is an old red barn still standing near the entrance.

Located Northeast of Karner Farm you’ll find the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve. The West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve is located south of Pontiac Trail in the middle of the Township, along the West Bloomfield Trail.  The Preserve was the first in Michigan to receive recognition as an Urban Wildlife Sanctuary from the National Institute for Urban Wildlife. The 162 acre preserve is frequented by over 100 bird species as well as white-tail deer, red fox, coyote, weasel, mink and salamanders.  Great carpets of white trillium and yellow trout lilies thrive under mature oak and hickory trees.  Large black walnuts and wild dogwoods can also be found within the preserve.

All of West Bloomfield’s parks are open daily 8:00 a.m. to dusk. For more information on these parks and more, visit www.westbloomfieldparks.org. It’s the best time of year to get out and enjoy nature!

Stephanie Brown

West Bloomfield Trail Map