WAMEGO CITY PARK TRAIN ENHANCEMENT PROJECT FUND
The original miniature train was built in 1947 by Ottaway Amusement Company of Wichita; it was purchased for $5,000 in 1955 by Wamego citizens Neil Balderson and Harold Stewart, who presented the train to the City of Wamego. Located in the City Park, the train has been an integral part of community celebrations and has been enjoyed by generations of children for more than 50 years.
Sadly, the “Tulip Blossom Special” suffered the ravages of time. Studies showed that it was not feasible to repair and maintain the train due to its age, lack of available parts, and safety issues. In July 2007, the “Save the Train Fund” was established (later renamed the "Wamego City Park Train Enhancement Project Fund") to raise funds to preserve and permanently display the train, as well as to build a new electric train. A small group of volunteers raised funds and hundreds of volunteers provided the labor to build a new depot-style shelter house, restrooms, and permanent display area for the original train, which was completed in summer 2009.
Funds are still needed to finish building the new children's train, complete with new, longer tracks.
Click here to donate to this fund.
Click here for the volunteer and in-kind donor list.
Click here for the donor recognition list.
Click here for a photo slideshow of the depot and train being built.
| Wamego Community Foundation • PO Box 25 • Wamego KS 66547 • P: 785-456-8444 • F: 785-456-8443 • E-mail |