The Forest Park train is on its way, some delays are expected
The operators of the beloved Forest Park and Trinity Park model train have been given more time to get the attraction back on track.
Background: A Haltom City company, Forest Park Rides Inc., has operated a miniature train ride in the parks near the Fort Worth Zoo since 1958. The 5-mile round trip begins in Forest Park, crosses the Trinity River, and enters in Trinity Park. The train circles Lancaster Bridge, then returns to its starting point on Colonial Parkway.
Due to equipment problems, the train has not been operational since March 2022.
Fort Worth Park & ​​Recreation Department staff members have encouraged Forest Park Rides to fix the train so it can run again. However, due to a lack of progress, the City issued a notice of formal notice to the contractor last October. The contract allows 60 days to address contractual breaches. At the request of the operator, the deadline had previously been extended to 27 March.
The last one: Due to longer-than-expected lead times for equipment repairs and material delivery, the deadline for resuming train operations has been extended. A major delay is the purchase of 1,000 new railway sleepers, which have an eight to ten week lead time due to a backlog with timber purchases. They will be used to strengthen and replace old ties.
The operator shared photos of refurbished cars and engines, as well as a detailed list of the expenses it has already incurred to get the train back on track.
After reviewing the new request and documents, city staff were pleased with the provider’s progress and recommended another extension, said Dave Lewis, acting director of the Park & ​​Recreation Department.
New deadline: The deadline extended to be fully operational and provide all the required documentation is June 30th.
Get ready to roll: All parties are looking forward to a fun celebration of reopening this summer.
Photo: Forty-minute round-trip rides on the Forest Park train cross six bridges for five miles.
Receive articles like this in your inbox. Subscribe to city news.
