Forest Park mini train rolls again after operator makes deal with Fort Worth for fixes
.JPG "The miniature train, seen here in 2009, had been operating since 1959 until mechanical problems closed it down in March 2022.")
The Forest Park miniature railroad, a source of fond childhood memories for many Fort Worth residents, should get back on the rails as early as this spring.
The train, which has run a five-mile loop through Forest Park and Trinity Park since 1959, closed down in March due to mechanical issues.
While operator Forest Park Rides, Inc. owns the train, the tracks and the bridge crossing the Trinity river, it has a contract with the city of Fort Worth to use the park land.
The city gave Forest Park Rides 60 days to get the train up and running or face terminating the contract on Oct. 28. The company asked for an extension, showing the city $250,000 in invoices for needed repairs, said interim parks director Dave Lewis. After receiving the invoices, the city gave the company a 90-day extension.
Forest Park Rides has until March 27 to get the trains running, insurance updated and people in the seats, Lewis said.
He did note the contract specifies the train may not run during bad weather, but said the company needs to show a good faith effort to get the ride up and running again.
Mary Talley, president of Forest Park Rides, said in a statement that her company has made significant progress and she was confident the miniature railroad would be open in the spring.
Fort Worth council member Elizabeth Beck, who’s district includes Forest Park, said she was excited about the news of the train’s return
Beck said used to take her own children to ride the train, and was grateful more parents would be able to have that experience.
This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 6:28 PM.
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