Kathy Goeddel is striving to restore the beloved 30-minute train ride that once took passengers from the Oregon Zoo through Washington Park, showcasing the area’s wildlife and towering trees.
Living nearby, Goeddel fondly recalls riding the 3-mile loop on the distinctive silver Zooliner with her late husband and various visitors to the zoo.
Currently, the only train option at the zoo offers a shorter, less scenic half-mile journey that has left some wanting more.
As the leader of the Friends of Washington Park and Zoo Railway, Goeddel has been working tirelessly to bring back the longer route, which was shortened in 2013 to make room for an elephant exhibit and has not been restored due to unresolved repairs.
Political support has been rallying around her cause, bolstered by engineers and a task force analyzing the next steps to reestablish the extended train route to the International Rose Test Garden.
However, officials at the zoo, which is operated by the Metro regional government, maintain that reviving the extended loop is far more complex than a simple restoration.
Despite the tracks remaining largely intact, twisting through lush forest to the old Washington Park station, zoo leaders argue they lack the financial resources to renovate, operate, and maintain the historical route.
A financial analysis conducted for the zoo projected that planning costs alone could exceed $3.5 million.
Zoo spokesperson Hova Najarian emphasized that while the historical train ride evokes nostalgia for many, the zoo’s primary mission is wildlife conservation, not entertainment.
Goeddel and her supporters counter that rejuvenating the extended route has practical benefits, asserting that it would provide easier access to Washington Park attractions while alleviating parking congestion.
Additionally, they argue it could educate visitors about nature and conservation.
Metro Councilor Christine Lewis highlighted the dual purpose of the train as both an amenity and a means of transportation, potentially enhancing Washington Park’s appeal as a tourist destination.
While some nostalgic residents advocate for the project, Goeddel believes it represents a chance to instill civic pride.
At a recent task force meeting, she proclaimed, “My generation can deliver. The train was built for us and we owe some things back to the next generation.”
Historically, the Zooliner was celebrated as one of the longest recreational railroads in the U.S. when it opened in 1960.
The railway quickly garnered a loyal fan base, with notable figures including presidential candidates and senators riding the train during visits.
Portland citizens helped fund the railway’s construction, contributing labor, materials, and monetary donations, as chronicled by historian Melissa Darby.
Passengers once enjoyed breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains upon arrival at the Washington Park station, but the scenery has since been obscured by overgrown vegetation and fences surrounding the abandoned station.
According to reports, a landslide has left parts of the track covered in debris, with engineers noting some areas of instability needing repair.
Jeff Honeyman, a retired zoo train engineer involved with the Friends of Washington Park and Zoo Railway, claimed that aside from a couple of trouble spots, the tracks are mostly operable.
An engineering assessment cited by the Friends nonprofit indicated that while the tracks are in generally good condition, retaining walls and other structural elements require care.
The master plan for Washington Park, adopted by the Portland City Council in 2018, proposed transforming the railroad corridor into a bike and pedestrian trail at an estimated cost of $10.2 million.
The train task force, which includes city and Metro officials along with zoo representatives, is set to meet in the coming weeks for its final session.
The group is expected to present a report identifying potential barriers, benefits, and future options for the train project to the Metro and Portland City Councils.
Chairperson Lewis anticipates the findings will highlight various questions, particularly concerning costs and funding sources, while emphasizing the need for multi-agency collaboration.
While the zoo operates the train, the city of Portland owns the train equipment, and Portland Parks & Recreation governs Washington Park.
Support from third parties, including nonprofits and funding from donors, may also be necessary for the project to proceed.
Zoo deputy director of operations Utpal Passi has declined to comment on the project, expressing eagerness to see what the task force produces.
A preliminary assessment by Metro stressed that reviving the old route entails more than simply restarting a dormant service; it requires establishing a new operational model.
The evaluation estimated that initial costs for infrastructure assessment alone could range from $1.8 million to $3.7 million, with total expenses for restoring the full route likely reaching several million more.
Zoo financial analyst Jon Irwin suggested retaining the current operations of the shorter loop, emphasizing its profitability.
According to zoo data, the shorter loop generates approximately $1 million annually, while estimates suggest the longer route might only yield an additional $300,000, mitigating increased staffing and maintenance costs.
Former Portland commissioner Dan Saltzman, who initially supported restoring the longer loop after the 2018 master plan’s release, believes the advocates’ proposals are feasible.
He proposed utilizing bond funds approved by voters for zoo advancements, arguing this could facilitate repairs without as much planning expenditure.
Saltzman stated, “To me, it’s a question of a willingness to embrace it. That’s what I think is missing right now with the zoo and the Parks Bureau.”
In response, Najarian reiterated that community support focused on animal amenities and capital projects rather than the train ride itself.
Goeddel remains determined to push for the train’s revival.
A preliminary funding analysis with her organization suggests that the initial restoration costs could total about $3 million for repairs and to make the station accessible.
After that, projected expenses would include repairing three needed trains, estimated at $3 million, and around $2 million for a covered shed to protect them from deterioration.
Goeddel emphasized that maintenance would be necessary regardless of whether the Washington Park loop reopens, arguing that based on previous ridership data, three out of four visitors would choose the longer route over the current zoo-only line.
This claim contrasts with zoo projections estimating only one in four would opt for the longer ride.
The Friends of Washington Park and Zoo Railway believe the extended route could generate enough revenue to sustain its operation.
At a recent task force meeting, Goeddel shared a video of interviews conducted during the grand opening of the newly renovated Washington Park reservoir.
Some attendees reminisced about their experiences on the train, while others voiced support for its return.
A young mother recounted her son’s disappointment after their brief six-minute ride ended, stating, “More train,” as he expressed his desire for the experience to continue.
image source from：oregonlive
