Help us restore an Oregon icon.

In 2013, the historic railway connecting the Oregon Zoo and Washington Park Station closed.

We’re on a mission to bring it back.

But, why?

Fun

Social capital matters. The ride is fun for people of all ages and abilities, and draws both locals and tourists alike.

It’s a Win-Win

A win for the train is a win for the zoo. The railroad was the “golden goose” of the zoo and has continued to generate more funds annually than it costs.

Transportation

The railway is a much-needed mass transportation option connecting the zoo and popular Washington Park destinations, all plagued with inadequate parking.

Education

The full 20-minute journey into Washington Park provides an opportunity to educate riders about forest ecology, steam engines and train rides.

History

The railway is listed as an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. This community infrastructure must be preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Get On Board!

Here’s how you can help…

  • Be counted among the thousands of supporters of the Rose Garden Loop Restoration on this Change.org petition.

    Sign The Petition Here

  • Every dollar helps! Your donation will aid in our mission of restoring the historic route including volunteer efforts, advocacy campaigns, and necessary professional services.

    Donate Here

  • Likes, follows and shares go a long way. Connect with us on socials to stay in the loop and help us win!

    Facebook
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Follow us on Instagram!

We’re gearing up to get more attention to our mission to restore the zoo railway’s Rose Garden Loop. You can help! We meet monthly with leaders at Metro. They are moving forward to create a public/private task force on the zoo railway&rs
At Zoo Train Day at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Hello Friends of the Washington Park & Zoo Railway, We need some volunteers! We are planning to set up the table outside the zoo entrance (towards the MAX entrance) so we can raise awareness about the Rose Garden Loop, pass out stickers and broch
What are you doing on the last weekend before Christmas? Maybe it includes a visit to Zoo Lights or the Oregon Rail Heritage Center to ride the Polar Express. If it does, be sure to look for our booth on Saturday and Sunday. Seeya there!
This is Nancy. She is amazing. She and the other volunteers have helped get another 500 signatures for our cause this weekend by tabling at the Oregon Rail Heritage center and the zoo. In addition to staffing the table, she also helped design our ama
We are at it again! Come say hi tonight at the zoo from 4:30pm to 8pm and at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center until 8:30pm today (Sunday the 17th).

Let’s talk

Want to partner or volunteer with us? We’d love to talk to you. Reach out and we’ll get back to you right away!