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
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