The Village of Holland and Springfield Township are working jointly on a rail park to be located at Clarion and Front Streets at the Norfolk Southern tracks.
Maintenance crews have already placed a stone and concrete base where the caboose will be located. Railroad ties and track have been laid on the base and caboose was transported to the site on Friday, November 21, 2003. Fencing between the caboose and the tracks will be erected as a safety measure.
The placement and restoration of the caboose is the first phase of creating the rail park. Long range visions for the area include a paved parking area, seating for railroad enthusiasts to view the trains, a connection to a proposed bike trail from Strawberry Acres Park to Community Homecoming Park as well as a possible rail museum.
A committee of volunteers will work this winter planning for spring renovations of the caboose, design of the sitting area and acquiring the necessary materials. The caboose is intact with the exception of the heating stove. If you have knowledge of local train lore, experience in renovating a caboose or are a train lover at heart, please contact Mary Visco at 419-865-7104 to volunteer for this planning committee.
Preparing the base
Loading caboose onto the transport vehicle
Overhead Danger Scouts
Caboose at Clark and Front Streets
Entering the Rail Park Area
Setting the wheels on the rails
Securing wheels to rails
Lifting caboose from transport vehicle
Centering caboose over rails
Just a little more this way!
One last check