Innovative solutions to employment and aging challenges
WICKHAM PARK RAILROAD
More than a garden railroad…
… a fitting tribute, celebration and destination for all ages and abilities!
The Acorn Shortline RR
For the past 15 years or so, my parents had a (miniature) garden railroad in the backyard in CT. Set among the pine trees, near a goldfish pond complete with waterfall and fountains, this was a place of solace and serenity for my parents as they aged gracefully at home.
Visual Challenges
As Mom’s eyesight was failing, every effort was made to make the railroad enjoyable for her. Eventually, she spent much of her last days in her bedroom, but she could still enjoy the bright yellow coach (shown to the right on the Wickham Park RR) circling around the dense foliage.
Tai-Chi for the Railroad
In the “Acorn Shortline RR” discretion was the critical element; so at a distance of ten feet, one could not notice the railroad, but with the exception of an occasional rooftop. Special care was taken to redirect the foliage over the tracks, rather than pulling or pruning. This was done to keep the garden as natural and full as possible while minimizing the railroad.
The Wickham Park RR idea
My folks frequently commented how they would like to share the railroad with others especially children. So, after my Dad died in 2006 and Mom in 2009, I approached
Wickham Park in Manchester, CT about incorporating a garden railroad into their newly designed Sensory Garden. After many discussions, they agreed to build it if I designed it. Well, I am pleased to say that 2010 was the first season of the Wickham Park RR.
Although running on a limited scheduled, due to the limited number of volunteers, people of all ages and abilities were now enjoying the family railroad …with Mom’s yellow coach.
Unique Visual and Sound Barriers
At the WPRR, sound and visual barriers enhance the sensory experience, (fitting for the Sensory Garden application) these include the tunnel, snow shed, arbor, trestle and newly constructed “One Track Mine” complete with operating flume.
We are committed to making the railroad entertaining with or without the trains operating. The 2011 operating season will have more enhancements to achieve these goals.
The railroad theme and styling were inspired by my trips to the Rocky Mountains to capture the edge and essence of historic railroading in our American West.
