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 Concept Proposal for
Rail, Trail and Transit
Interpretive
Community Heritage,
Activity &
Nature 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 and close to
historic and current
transportation corridors.
Features at full build-out (Phase 3):
- multi-use
roundhouse conference and
interpretive centre
for regional events, displays, family activities &
shops, as well as to showcase restored railway
equipment and artifacts
- replication and/or restoration of
regional railway stations
for displays, accommodation and services
-
historical model railway museum
featuring a variety of scales and
time periods
- sufficient space for a rail loop and
storage for
large
railway equipment and train rides
including private and leased collections
- transit heritage depot
to display historic transit vehicles & hub for
historical tours
- ornamental rail station park
similar to the 1906 CPR park in Red Deer
- a lookout tower or
train observation deck
with restaurant or refreshment bar
-
live steam 1/8 scale miniature railway
including replication of 3001 Jubilee 4-4-4 steam locomotive
- gazebo, band shell
or outdoor stage for
events
with picnic and family activity areas
-
natural areas
wetlands and/or trees with links to recreation linear park and trails
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 needs, experience 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;
- the beginnings of a heritage model railway display;
- 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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