Train Enthusiasts Hope to See Chehalis Railfan Cam Become a Park

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With the installation of the Chehalis Railfan camera, tourists have started to visit to see the trains and try to get on camera.

Now, local train enthusiasts are proposing that a Railfan park be built as well.

“There are several of them built up already around the country, and they give people a safe and clean space to relax and enjoy watching the trains go by while also giving tourists an opportunity to learn about the history there,” said supporter Robert Scott, who is also chief of the West Thurston Fire Authority.

Railfan cameras operate around the clock across the world, allowing train enthusiasts to watch tracks for passing trains — and whatever else comes into view — live.

The proposed park would go where ​​old Union Freight Depot — the Lewis County Historical museum (LCHM)— and loading dock currently are.

An example of a completed Railfan park can be found in Park Forest, Illinois. It can be viewed online at https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/park-forest-rail-fan-park.



Scott said the City of Chehalis would see economic benefits as well since more tourists would mean more money being pumped into the local economy. There are also communal benefits, he said.

“People of all ages are into this, from kids to people in their 90s, it’s a great way to bring people together who might not normally interact,” Scott said.

Aside from the possible economic benefits, Chehalis City Councilmember Daryl Lund said he believes the area needs more beautification.

“A big benefit would be cleaning up an eyesore of an area. It's mostly old industrial buildings and old parking lots there. It would be a big addition for that part of town,” Lund said.

An artist’s rendering of the proposed park has been created by J. Craig Thorpe and includes a boardwalk area next to the train tracks, a caboose set up for display, four picnic tables and four benches. The area is adjacent to the Lewis County Historical Museum.

Preliminary meetings to discuss possible project direction and public interest are being scheduled with Scott, Chehalis Mayor Tony Ketchum, the LCHM, Experience Chehalis and officials from the Port of Chehalis and Twin Transit.