ALL ABOARD!
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park has been a staple of Scottsdale, AZ since opening to the public in 1975. The 30 acre park sits on land that was donated to the city in 1967 by the Fowler McCormick family. The jewel of the park is the 5/12 (5 inches equals 1 foot) standard Paradise & Pacific Railroad. The train runs year-round, with rides available to visitors every 30 minutes on weekdays, and continuously on weekends during park hours. With assistance from former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, the train was actually constructed by the United States Marine Corps as part of a training exercise.
In addition to the fully operational railroad, the park features a variety of additional attractions including a carousel, playground, Western Town play area, authentic railroad exhibits, ramadas for parties/picnics, stage for evening performances, xeroscape arboretum, railroad museum, eating areas, model train clubs, and more. *
Scottsdale Charros Carousel 1907 Magma AZ Railroad No. 6 Engine
Playground Western Town
The park is not just a paradise for the kids, however. It is awash in history for the adults. Exhibits include the 1907 built Magma Arizona Railroad Engine No. 6, which hauled copper from Superior to Magma, AZ for 38 years. The Roald Amundsen Pullman Car was built in 1928, and used for maximum security travel for every president from Herbert Hoover to Dwight Eisenhower. The Baggage Car which currently houses the Railroad Museum was built in 1914 as a sleeping car. It was converted to carry baggage during World War II. The Merci Train was France's "thank you" to the goodwill of the American public. Following WWII, Americans donated goods and materials to fill 250 railroad cars, which were then delivered to war- ravaged France. France commissioned the Merci Train to return the favor. 49 so-called 40 & 8 boxcars (could hold 40 men or 8 horses) full of French treasures were delivered to America as a gesture of thanks. One of the boxcars is proudly on display.*
*All McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park facts courtesy of www.therailroadpark.com
Paul Slaybaugh is a Realtor with Realty Executives in Scottsdale, Arizona. An Arizona native, Paul was raised in McCormick Ranch. He loved riding the Paradise and Pacific Railroad as a child, and he still visits the park every week. Only now he rides the train with his sons, Jack and Wyatt. For more local information, please visit us at McCormick Ranch Real Estate.
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Thank you, Dru. I took those pictures this past weekend. You are 100% correct for it being a great place for events/parties. I always attend a few performances during the summer evening concert series, and we reserved a ramada last year to celebrate my older son's first birthday. There is no such thing as a bad day at the Railroad Park. Thanks for sharing.
Dia Duit Paul,
Very nice looking post. What camera do you use? Is it an SLR?
Dia Duit Patrick,
Believe it or not, I got these shots with a hand-me-down Kodak. I haven't even reviewed the specifications on it. My toddler has gotten a hold of each of my two previous cameras. They are no longer with us. I have vowed to avoid purchasing another one until he moves out of the "randomly destroy all electronic equipment within reaching distance" phase.
A couple of tweaks and that camera will take great photos.
The photo of the kid and his dad is pretty cool.
That one's my favorite. You can't stage a moment like that.
Paul -- This is a fun post and really gives a tug at the 'ole' heart for me. This park is a treat. My boys are now in their late 20's and we have some great memories of this great find. Thank your for helping me reminisce all over again. If you haven't been to this park people it is a "must do" in your travel plans to the Phoenix area! Lots to do for young and old! Great Post Paul.
This is a great post with awesome photos and packed full of great information for your locals. Great marketing post. Good job.
Paul, I forgot to mention...my wife and I wrote a song called "Here comes the Choo-Choo Train."
You might want to embed it...or at least listen to it. It's fun.
It's on the aszterbaum family's myspace...I won't put a link in your comment string.
Paul:
My kids have riden on that train. Thanks for the memories.