What's Happening in Portland, OR…

The long-awaited return of the Washington Park and Zoo Railway, which closed in 2013 due to construction at the Oregon Zoo, proved to be a little disappointing, according to an OregonLive.com article this month.

Fans of the popular attraction anticipated it returning to include a route that takes it from across the zoo and through Washington Park and the International Rose Test Garden. However, what they got upon the train’s return was a short ride through the zoo with the longer park route remaining closed due to the detection of structural issues as well as other safety concerns.

Despite the efforts of community members, who have created an online petition with more than 29,000 signatures, and pleas to the zoo to restore the locomotive’s full route, it appears to be a lost cause.

When community members disagree with local government on how best to use public resources, brochure printing is often employed by one or both sides to win over the opposition.

Hopes were once again dashed at the Friday Forum of the Portland City Club on April 19, when Metro Council President Lynn Peterson explained that in all probability, returning the zoo train to its full route would necessitate creating a foundation to be in charge of raising money for the project. Furthermore, he explained that Metro was attempting to adhere to the city of Portland’s plan of turning the closed portion of the original zoo train loop into a trail.