THE KIWANIS CLUB OF GOLDSBORO
ALL ABOARD
KIWANIS MINIATURE TRAIN
Sat & Sun 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Kiwanis Miniature Train is a Goldsboro legend! Since 1955, volunteers have operated the train on summer weekends in Herman Park (1-5 pm, April-October). In 2022, a new train in Goldsboro began service! And, in 2023, family fun in Herman Park became even more accessible, thanks to a new Train Station and patio full of commemorative, inspirational and activity bricks. Open sunrise to sunset all year round, the train’s patio is close to the existing traditional playground in Herman Park.
Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro is proud to have been managing the train experience for almost 70 years, with an all-volunteer staff. This project supports Kiwanis Club’s motto: Serving the Children of the World.
Always wanted to drive the train? CLICK HERE!!
Volunteer drivers and concession servers are welcome.
THE NEW TRAIN: Volunteers brought the new train back to Goldsboro in May 2022, from the manufacturer, Swannee River Railroad Company in Lufkin, TX, in time to open for Memorial Day weekend. The original train that operated for 68 years in Herman Park was sold and moved to Vermont (see History tab). The updated train station opened in 2023.
Initially, the goals beyond the new train itself were modest - a cover above the passenger loading sidewalk. What happened amazed and delighted us! A coalition of local construction companies stepped up to volunteer their time and talent to upgrade the original train station. Joe Smith, Goldsboro PE, transformed the original concession stand to a beautified train station, complete with new windows and a patio tripled in size.
Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro is so grateful and proud to be a part of a community that would do this for youngest citizens. Literacy and math skills built into the brick patio will challenge children even when the train is not open. The engraved bricks each have a story.
This new train experience will make family memories for the next 100 years! Our thanks to those individuals and businesses that have been so generous in making this update possible.
BRICKS CAN STILL BE ORDERED. $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, or $275 for an 8x8 brick. $125 for a 4x8 brick. Go to Purchase a Brick Tab at the top. The Foundation will use funds to enhance and maintain the train station and surroundings.
Kids are at the heart of our Kiwanis Club and all others around the world. We are so grateful for the hundreds of Kiwanians who have driven the train since 1955. They have given children many laughter-filled memories of growing up in Goldsboro.
THANK YOU,
GOLDSBORO!
The Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro received approval from the Goldsboro City Council in August 2021 to upgrade the train area, in honor of its 100th birthday. The club raised funds to supplement funds set aside for capital improvements from $1 ticket sales.
1. Replace the train with a modern replica that should last another 70 years.
2. Replace the concrete patio and sidewalks around the train station with long-lasting laser-engraved bricks.
3. Construct (if funds allowed) a permanent train platform cover, to add to the fun of coming to Herman Park.