Volunteers Clear the Way: Final Track Cleanup and Celebration Marks Milestone
Friends 100. Blackberries 0. Celebrating the team that made it happen. 💪🌿🚂
Volunteers Clear the Way: Final Track Cleanup and Celebration Marks Major Milestone
Over the past several months, something remarkable has been happening in Washington Park.
Dozens of dedicated volunteers came together to reclaim the Washington Park & Zoo Railway from invasive species, removing dense blackberry thickets and ivy that had overtaken the historic tracks.
Armed with loppers, gloves, and an incredible amount of determination, volunteers worked side by side to reclaim the railway corridor. What once felt impassable is now open again. The tracks are visible. The path is clear. And the transformation is nothing short of inspiring.
A Community Effort
This effort was powered entirely by community.
Neighbors, supporters, and partners—including the amazing Post 58 youth group—showed up week after week, bringing energy, teamwork, and a shared belief in the future of the Zoo Train.
It wasn’t just about clearing brush.
It was about:
Building connections
Sharing stories and memories of the train
Working toward something meaningful together
And helping bring a beloved Portland treasure one step closer to returning
A Day to Celebrate
On March 14, volunteers gathered for a final cleanup and celebration at Washington Park Station. Together, they marked the completion of this phase of work and took a moment to reflect on what had been accomplished.
The event captured the spirit of the entire effort—hard work, laughter, and a strong sense of community pride.
🎥 Watch the cleanup and celebration video:
youtube Link
Looking Ahead
While there is still work ahead, this milestone represents real progress.
Clearing the tracks is more than symbolic—it demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. Each step forward brings us closer to restoring the Washington Park & Zoo Railway as a safe, sustainable, and joyful experience for all.
✨ Together, we are restoring the magic for the next generation.
The path is clear—and the journey begins. 🚂✨