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February 22, 2008 - 10:36AM
Pioneer Park train panel draws little support
Sam Baldwin, For the Tribune
A citizen committee fighting to save a historic train at Mesa’s Pioneer Park drew little support at the group’s first meeting Wednesday night.
Race is on to save Mesa Pioneer Park train
Former trainman heads effort to preserve locomotiveOnly eight concerned citizens attended the meeting, hosted by the Mesa Parks and Recreation Department. The meeting was set up to determine public interest in trying to raise funds to restore the train so it can stay at Pioneer Park near Main Street and Mesa Drive.
If money to restore the train cannot be raised from private sources, the City Council has said it will consider offers to sell the train to the Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler or an out-of-state bidder.
The council has said the committee must raise about $350,000 for restoration and relocation. And the committee must raise $10,000 by March 28 to demonstrate public interest.
Despite the small turnout on Wednesday, the committee remained optimistic.
One fundraising idea that emerged was a “battle of the schools” between Mesa High School and Westwood High School alumni. The committee hopes a competition between the city’s two oldest high schools will help the committee reach its goals.
Those who would like to make donations should mail them to the Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation.
Save the train
What: Second meeting of the Citizens Fundraising Committee to discuss the train at Pioneer Park
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities Office, 200 S. Center St., Building 1, Mesa
Information: (480) 862-3169 or rwood42@cox.net
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