ON THE AGENDA MODEL RAILROAD Model...

ON THE AGENDA

MODEL RAILROAD

Model railroad engineers will ask the city tonight to help with

the cost of ensuring an environmentally safe train ride at Fairview

Park after state officials demanded a “biological monitor” of the

proposed track site.

Owls and purple needle grass threatened to derail plans by local

train enthusiasts to expand their model railroad tracks at Fairview

Park, but city officials endorsed the expansion, as long as tracks

meet environmental standards.

The Planning Commission endorsed adding 2,250 feet to the Orange

County Model Engineers’ train ride with the condition that the train

enthusiasts work with state Department of Fish and Game officials to

devise a path that does not endanger a rare breed of owl. The

engineers, however, are asking that the city help fund the

“biological monitor,” which will cost $1,000 to $5,000.

The model railroad train ride currently covers about 8,800 feet in

a figure-eight in the northwest portion of the park.

The Orange County Model Engineers is a club of train enthusiasts

who voluntarily run the railroad at no cost to the city. Their

request to expand the ride required an amendment to the Fairview Park

Master Plan.

About 45,000 to 60,000 people ride the railroad per year, and

council members have called it a distinct attraction that makes

Fairview Park a special place to visit. The railroad also hosts

schools, parent-child groups, Scout troops, Cub packs, service clubs

and other private organizations.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council members are expected to approve the proposed addition and

help fund the environmental study costs.

MORE FAIRVIEW PARK

The City Council is set to hear a report on plans for Fairview

Park that have been hammered out, approved, discussed, debated and

“reconfirmed” -- again.

In December 2001, council members asked recreational staffers to

hire an administrator for the expansive park on the Westside, who

would educate the public on various aspects of the previously

approved Fairview Park Master Plan.

The administrator was hired, and the workshops were held in July

and August 2002. About 40 people came to give input about the

restoration of native plant life, access trails and parking lots.

A report from the public workshops, along with input from the

commissioners of the parks and recreation committee, was formulated

with a list of suggestions that included the model railroad, a

parking lot on the east side of the park, pedestrian and horse trails

and a dog park.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Council members will be updated on the status of public education

about the Fairview Park Master Plan and will debate the more

controversial suggestions for the park which include: stairs and

hiking trails, bicycle and motor cross and bluff erosion.

-- Lolita Harper