July 16, 2025

The “big town” near us operates 29 parks and recreation areas scattered around the city.  These include everything from historic and nature trails, playgrounds and green space, aquatic and recreation centers, performing arts, and even two dog parks.  The parks include three stocked fishing lakes that I frequent as often as possible.  Another annual favorite is the light display located at Creekmore Park.  This is an expansive venture that provided inspiration for the light displays I put up when I was director of a camp and conference center in Kansas.  This summer, Creekmore has been undergoing needed improvements throughout the park.  The pool’s bathhouse (built 1948) was demolished, and a new facility and diving pool were finished in June, just in time to host the state swim meet.  The 18-hole mini-golf course (built 1959) was refurbished by volunteer labor from local businesses Graphic Packaging and IT Logistics and includes a little semi-trailer truck obstacle.  The city said it is also resurfacing and expanding the parking lot.  Sara Deuster, director of Fort Smith Parks and Recreation, said the upgrades are necessary to accommodate the growing number of families visiting the parks.  One project waiting for funding is the miniature train that circles the park in summer and tours the Christmas lights.

When I went online, I found A ridable miniature railway, or in the US a riding railroad or grand scale railroad, is a large scale, usually ground-level railway that hauls passengers using locomotives that are often models of full-sized railway locomotives powered by diesel or gas engines, live steam, or electric motors.  These miniature railways have a rail track gauge between 5 inches (127 mm) and under 15 inches (381 mm), though both larger and smaller gauges are used.  With gauges of 5 inches (127 mm) and less, the track is commonly raised above ground level.  Flat cars are arranged with foot boards so that a driver and passengers sit astride the track.  The smaller gauges of miniature railway track can be portable.  Portable track is used to carry passengers at temporary events such as festivals and summer fairs.  These miniature lines are frequently operated by nonprofit organizations, and often model engineering societies, though some are in private grounds and others run commercially. 

There are several national organizations representing and providing guidance on miniature railway operations including the Australian Association of Live Steamers, the Southern Federation of Model Engineering Societies (UK), and the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA).  The NMRA is a large, international organization focused on the hobby and business of model railroading.  It provides education, advocacy, standards, and social interaction for its members. The NMRA has a strong presence in the US and operates in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the Netherlands.  Deuster said the miniature railway at Creekmore is a favorite of park-goers of all ages.  There are three miniature trains housed at the park.  The #200 Electric Steam Engine was manufactured by Western Train Company out of Temecula, California.  There is also a standard diesel train named the Creekmore Express.  The steam engine is currently waiting for funding for its restoration.

THOUGHTS: I frequent a coffee shop across the street from Creekmore and last week saw the miniature train chugging by with a full load of passengers.  It reminded me of George Bailey’s comment from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”.  George declares, “You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are?  Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles.”  Travel blogs say many are like George and share a love for travel and adventure, associating these sounds with freedom and the allure of the unknown.  That is also the original impetus for this blog.  While content has expanded, the blog still tries to express the joy (and irony) of life.  Act for all.  Change is coming and it starts with you.