Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

As we gear up to bring more attention to our mission of restoring the zoo railway’s Rose Garden Loop, we need your help to make a significant impact!

Exciting Updates

Meetings with Metro: I’m pleased to share that I meet monthly with leaders at Metro, and we are making progress. Metro is moving forward to create a public/private task force dedicated to the future of the zoo railway, and I am honored to represent the Friends of the Washington Park and Zoo Railway on this task force.

Zoo Bond Measure: Metro is anticipating a positive outcome in the May election for the Zoo Bond. This $380 million bond measure is designed to extend the current one without increasing the tax rate. While the current plan allocates funds to upgrade animal habitats and zoo infrastructure, it does not include the railway. This could change with your support. We urge all Friends to support the bond measure and to press your Metro Councilor and Council President Lynn Peterson to include the Rose Garden Loop in the detailed spending plans this fall.

Upcoming Event

Save the Date: Mark your calendars for a fun and purposeful meet-up on Thursday, June 20th, at 11 am. We will be celebrating the 65th anniversary of the zoo railway’s iconic Steamer Oregon and the Washington Park Station. Join us at Picnic Area A off Kingston Drive next to the Rose Garden. We will have art supplies available for everyone to express their support for the Rose Garden Loop. Kids will especially enjoy meeting Titus the Tiger and his sidekick, Rac the Raccoon.

Get Involved

Summer Events: Expect to see Friends of the Washington Park and Zoo Railway hosting information displays at various events around Portland this summer. If you’re interested in volunteering, please send me an email, and we’ll get you involved.

Together, we can ensure the preservation and restoration of this beloved piece of Portland’s history.

For the Friends,

Kathy Goeddel

President, Friends of the Washington Park and Zoo Railway