Tucked away at the end of Berrydale Avenue, just off Table Rock Road, the Railroad Park is one of the reasons their father, Vincent Comerchero, said the Rogue Valley is the perfect place to raise his children. As he gently lifts the siblings off one of the pint-sized train's passenger cars, Comerchero said his family has been regulars at the park since moving to Medford three years ago. After each ride, Eva and Nicholas head for the donation box with their quarters. It's the perfect entertainment for parents of younger kids. The Railroad Park is open to the public the second and fourth Sundays of each month, April through October.
Rides are free but donations are heartily accepted.
About 1,500 people climbed aboard for train rides Sunday, the opening day of the 2001 season. The group has nurtured the park, situated on the city's old sewer plant site, without taxpayer support since 1981. Now that the trestle is completed, the track system will almost double. Rather than hiring work out, members rely on their own sweat and collective knowledge of construction. The Southern Oregon Live Steamers operate about 15 trains, all built by club members with a hankering for a taste of the railroad life.