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I seem to recall hearing that the Surfliner trains run through an oceanfront park somewhere. Does anyone know where that is, and can you tell me about it?
I would also be interested in knowing of any other passenger train lines that run through city parks, if any.
I'm asking because Monterey built an oceanfront park around a legal, but currently unused, rail corridor. The city is legally obligated to keep it available for public transportation purposes, with parkland a permitted secondary use for portions of the right-of-way. However, some folks are now insisting that trains and parks can't coexist. I'd like to know if there are any examples that would demonstrate they can.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Downtown Winter Park, FL is pretty parklike.... that's just off the top of my head.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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Mr. Toy -- you may be thinking of either Doheny State Beach, San Clemente State Beach, or San Onofre State Beach -- the Surfliners run through or adjacent to all of those.
Other "parks" that AMTRAK runs through -- the only 2 I can think of off the top of my head are the City Parks in Houston and in New Orleans, both of which the E-bound Sunset runs through prior to entering the stations for those 2 cities.
palmland Member # 4344
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Notelvis is on the mark concerning the very attractive city park in Winter Park. This is CSX's mainline although, if the politicians can get it together, it is supposed to be sold for commuter service in the Orlando area. Most freights would move to another line.
This is one of my favorite stations because of its ideal setting. Trendy shops and restaurants are just across the park from the tracks that are along one edge, with the station in the middle. Many shoppers pause to check out the arrivals of the Silver Star and Meteor. Trains there are an attraction not a problem.
amtrak92 Member # 14343
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I agree with Mr. Palmland, it is a attractive park. It is also a great place to train watch.
CHATTER Member # 1185
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The only problem is that Winter Park, like Orlando, is well inland and not near any ocean.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Mr. Chatter, is the above your subtle way of stating that all Amtrak East Coast service should be routed over the FEC?
Or might this be my Sister, who "simply can't imagine" going to Florida without setting foot on a beach?
Enquiring mind is "curious".
But to continue, there is an attractive looking hotel bordering Central Park that certainly must offer "rooms with a view".
I didn't stay there on a March 2009 visit (rather a Marriott Courtyard in Maitland), but could well do so should the occasion arise.
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Thank you for the info, guys. It enabled me to find some photos of trains in some of those parks that fit my needs quite nicely.
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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I know you are talking city parks, but I can't help but mention Glacier. The rails may actually be the park boundary though.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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I believe the Glacier Park Boundary is the Middle Fork Flathead River, but the river is adjacent to the tracks throughout much of the park, or only a few hundred ft away.
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