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Concept Proposal for
Transportation Themed Rail, Trail and Transit
Interpretive
Community Heritage Rail Park
creating a unique experience that values
family recreational activity, the natural environment and the
transportation heritage of the prairies, to be located at or near
Red Deer close to historic and current transportation corridors;
and to interpret,
demonstrate and display the relationship between built and natural environment as it relates to the evolution of ground transportation in Western Canada
Conceptual site plan at full build-out based on the
Springbrook
option
Features at full build-out (Phase 3 - conceptual only):
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Roundhouse conference and interpretive centre
fun, interactive, multi-function,
community and visitor landmark gathering place for
various
activities including regional and community events, family events,
cultural
events, entertainment, conferences and meetings as well as
transportation displays
showcasing restored railway equipment and
artifacts, May include a market, boutiques,
gift shops and cafe.
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Railway station heritage resort
Canada's
only heritage railway multi-station accommodation village with
up to
22 unique replicated and/or restored railway stations of Central
Alberta as bed and breakfasts, single and multi family overnight
lodging
and interpretive centres
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Transit history centre and tour depot
exploring the evolution of bus service
in Central Alberta including the display of historic transit vehicles
as well
as to be the hub for
regional cultural and historical tours
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Miniature world historical
model rail pavilion
accurately representing, in
miniature, the evolution of the railway in the settlement
and
development of Red Deer and other communities in Central Alberta featuring a
variety of scales and
time periods. Could evolve to become Canada's largest series of
historically-accurate miniature railway exhibits.
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Children's pavilion &
miniature railway
activity, educational and
entertainment centre for children to learn the basics of
transportation science and logistics including train rides and other
fun activities
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Themed interpretive centres
and kiosks
focusing on aspects of
historic railways such as the C&E Railway and the Alberta
Central Railway, railway activity such as fossil fuel and
agricultural transport,
personal vehicles and other ground transportation which could
include military and
first responder vehicles.
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Heritage railway
collections exhibits
indoor and outdoor displays showcasing private and leased railway
collections and the evolution of rail
infrastructure, locomotives
and rolling stock in Central Alberta. Sufficient space will be
included for a future rail
loop and
hidden un-restored railway equipment storage
 - Ornamental rail station
gardens
similar to the
many railway station gardens including the 1906 CPR Red Deer park
that
greeted visitors and settlers in the first half of the 20th
century. Other gardens could
be scattered throughout park with
fountains and other features.
- Train viewing observation
platform
outdoor/indoor facility
in close proximity to an active rail line for train enthusiasts and
photographers that could include refreshment bar, games room,
library and playground
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Elevated observation restaurant
4th floor dining facility giving overview
of rail park, natural areas, active railway and the overall
environment
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Natural areas, green space, trails, picnic areas
natural areas including
trees, green spaces and wetlands accessible through a network
of
internal trails and external trail connections with picnic areas and
benches to relax
and enjoy the environment.
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Family activity zones, themed playgrounds
transportation-themed
playgrounds scattered throughout the park and family activity
zones
where families can enjoy the unique built and natural environment.
May include gazebos, outdoor stage,
covered picnic areas and event
zone.
- RV
Park and Campground
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1/8 scale replication of
3001 Jubilee 'Chinook'
high speed streamlined passenger steam locomotive between Calgary
and Edmonton in
the late 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s. One of only 5
built, none survived.
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The Forth Junction Heritage Society has reviewed many
rail parks and rail museums and has taken inspiration
from several of them, some within Alberta and others
well outside.
Our desire is to not duplicate these facilities but
to learn from them to facilitate the creation of a
unique attraction with a unique combination of
facilities.
Some excellent attractions within Alberta that we have
taken inspiration from include the Alberta Central
Railway Museum near Wetaskiwin, Heritage Park in
Calgary, Fort Edmonton Park, the Alberta Railway Museum
north of Edmonton, Aspen Crossing at Mossleigh and Galt
Historic Railway Park south of Lethbridge.
We see these attractions complementary to our own
vision and we encourage you to visit these other great
parks.
Outside of Alberta, inspiration has come from the West
Coast Railway Heritage Park at Squamish, 3 Valley Gap
near Revelstoke, the Revelstoke Railway Museum, Canadian
Museum of Rail Travel at Cranbrook and Fort Steele in
B.C. as well as Exporail in Montreal, Winnipeg Railway
Museum, Toronto Railway Museum, B&O Railway Museum in
Baltimore, MD, EnterTrainment Junction in Cincinnati,
OH, Railraod Park Resort in Dunsmuir, CA, and San Diego
CA Model Railroad Museum.
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Phase 1
of the park plan sets the stage for
the ultimate build-out of the overall vision. It accommodates
current opportunities and allows for additional uses of the site by
the community and other similar organizations. It also provides some
time to modify the plan as community needs, studies, consultations and trends evolve.
 The first phase includes:
- campground and RV park as initial income generator;
- children's playground and outdoor activity centre
which
would ultimately evolve into a major theme park
that includes
miniature train rides;
- covered viewing platform and snack bar for rail fans
who
want to watch the busy CPR Calgary-Edmonton
main line that hosts up
to 15 trains per day. This element
alone would likely attract a good
number of visitors from
many parts of North America;
- stand-alone interpretive kiosks;
- an ornamental railway garden similar to those that
were
once connected to railway stations;
- additional gardens, a gazebo, water features,
fountains;
- natural areas, trails and tree planting.
Eventually the park would connect with regional trails including the
Trans Canada Trail;
- temporary heritage transit storage building and bus tour depot;
- temporary indoor railway museum focusing on the Calgary &
Edmonton Railway;
- the beginnings of a historical miniature world model railway
exhibit;
- at least one replicated railway station for overnight
accommodation.
These features would initially attract mostly local and regional
residents and guests, visitors, and tourists travelling along the
Calgary and Edmonton corridor.
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