A Three Phase Approach to Construction
As we are a donation based non-profit organization, we must design our layout in three separate phases. Each Phase will give us something new to use for our members and our guests!
PHASE ONE: SUMMER
A Fully Complete ~700 foot long loop near the playgrounds and pavilion. This will function as a proof of concept not only to our donors & members but also to the city as an example of what we can accomplish at our new Lake Fretwell site. This loop will have a double tracked station for loading one train while another can remain operating!
PHASE TWO: LATE 2026 / EARLY 2027
A nearly ¾ of a mile railroad complete with reversing loops and connections to our on-site live-steam workshop! This loop takes us behind the pavilion and towards the namesake Lake Fretwell, alongside the existing volleyball court, and turns around by the first baseball field.
PHASE THREE: LATE 2027
Our largest currently planned expansion would add another mile to our rail corridor, and take our trains up around the baseball fields towards the entrance to the park. At this size, it would take our engines almost half an hour to complete a full tour of the site assuming no stops or transfers! This loop features several sidings and crossings to allow for multiple engine operation on a larger scale.
