Foundation Hopes To Save Railtown 1897
Sonora, CA– In hopes of saving Railtown 1897 State Park from closure, the Sierra Railway Foundation has formed a strategic partnership with Friends of the Sierra Railroad.
Friends of the Sierra Railroad is a non-profit organization that has existed for over 20 years and is made up of local community leaders and Railtown volunteers.
Organization President Darryl Bramlette is now restructuring the organization with the goal of making it possible for the group to submit a proposal to take over Railtown in July, when the park is slated for closure.
Friends of the Sierra Railroad has worked closely with the state parks and the railroad museum for years.
Both Friends of the Sierra Railway and the Sierra Railway Foundation believe that Railtown can be revived through a combination of reduced spending and increased revenue. The organization also agrees that saving Railtown must involve the further empowering of volunteers, who are essential to park operation.
Under a strategic partnership, Friends of the Sierra Railroad would focus its efforts on the operation of the Railtown park, as well as the maintenance and restoration of the locomotives. The Sierra Railway Foundation would be responsible for fundraising, marketing efforts, and building strategic partnerships with local businesses.
