CF Railway Heritage Society Looking for support for next project

Gary Giller | Aug 26, 2015

As part of its commitment to preserve and promote the railway history of our area, the Central Frontenac Railway Heritage Society has been working diligently on the development of the Railway Heritage Park in Sharbot Lake. Visitors to the park will have noticed that a patio has recently been constructed behind the caboose to showcase artifacts with a fence that will eventually support informative signage. In hosting visitors to the caboose, one of the things that has become evident is the excitement that the railroad creates in the minds of young children. Adult visitors, whether they be parents or grandparents, are often accompanied by children anxious to climb aboard.

As a result, the CFRHS decided to build a train-based play structure as an additional attraction for our young visitors. The play structure will also allow their adult supervisors more time to further investigate the exhibits. With due diligence to the safety regulations that need to be followed in constructing a public play structure, the project became a more daunting task both financially and physically than we first imagined. But, just like The Little Train That Could, the Board of Directors forged ahead. Gratefully, with substantial funding support ($12,220) from The Community Foundation for Kingston and Area, we have been able to purchase the actual structure. As a result, we are well on our way to completing our goal; however, we need help.

We are now in the construction stage, and are soliciting additional funds and donations “in kind” to move the project forward. We are in need of financial donations, materials (i.e. 3/4” washed stone for the base, concrete for the footings), backhoe time, and construction expertise. If you as an individual or business see merit in this train-based play structure and wish to help, please call Gary Giller at 613-279-2723. Also consider joining us for our annual fundraiser this fall, to be advertised soon. We look forward to seeing visiting children further enjoying the captivation of our railway heritage.