You can tell a lot about a community’s health by the parklands they support!
Molalla, Oregon has a dandy – where fried chicken and cole slaw are the picnic staples for scores of families and plenty of elbow room that lets the kids play safely.
Something special is always Comin’ Round the Bend at the Molalla Train Park:
A private parkland that sprawls across four acres in Clackamas County where seven trains ride the rails so that hundreds of park visitors can go aboard for a ten minute ride.
“It’s awesome to see all their smiles, see the excitement, the look in their eyes,” said Pat Duling, President and lead engineer for the Pacific Northwest Live Steamers. ”Every kid loves trains and most adults do too although they may not admit to it!”
Photos: Molalla Train Park
Photos: Molalla Train Park
The Steamers is a train club whose 80 members keep the engines running each week. Their trains are 1.5-inch model scale so big enough for people to sit on, ride and smile all the way
All of this is because of the brainchild, founder of Harry Harvey who put down the first track in 1954 as a gift to his community.
“When Harry started the park,” noted Duling, “He wanted it to be free for all people. So, if you were less fortunate, you could still come and have a great time and treat your family to an awesome day.”
And it’s still all free – each Sunday – all summer long!
Inside the “Dennis Jacobs Roundhouse,” the member’s locomotives are at the ready.
Dave Middleton and his son, Troy Middleton, agreed that their hobby is addictive.
“This is fun,” said Dave who added with a chuckle, “When it becomes work, it’s time to get out of the hobby!”
Back on the railroad, visitors Michelle and Travis Shatto love the railroad’s link to childhood. Travis said it “hit really close to home!”
“I was 12 the last time I rode,” said the beaming Travis Shatto: “That’s more than 30 years ago when my uncle was a member. He brought us here during the middle of the week and we had the place to ourselves and he ran us around for hours.”
His wife, Michelle heartily agreed and added, “It is so scenic and really brings you back to when you were a little kid.”
The Molalla Train Park is open to engineers of all ages and it will put a smile on your face – guaranteed!
If you would like to visit more of Oregon – consider a walk on the wild side with my new book: “Grant’s Getaways: Oregon Adventures With the Kids.” You’ll find activities to engage any kid, from archery to clamming on the coast to hunting for thundereggs or even to zip-lining through trees in an aerial adventure park.
In addition, be sure to check out “Grant’s Getaways Guide to Wildlife Watching in Oregon.” You will enjoy 48 uniquely Oregon adventures highlighting my fish and wildlife encounters. Scores of colorful photos by “Grant’s Getaways” photographer, Jeff Kastner, show off some of our finest moments in the field. You can also learn more about many of my favorite Oregon adventures in: "Grant's Getaways: 101 Oregon Adventures"
