Planning A Birthday Visit To The ParkDoes the budding railroad engineer in your family have a birthday coming up? If so, why not plan to treat him or her to a picnic and a train ride in Old Poway Park? This increasingly popular venue provides an ideal setting for a weekend celebration. Train Rides The Poway-Midland Railroad provides train rides on Saturdays and Sundays during normal operating hours using our steam locomotive, trolley, or speeder and ore cars. [Please note that the steam locomotive is usually out of service from late December until mid-March for its annual overhaul and boiler inspection.] The standard year-round fares apply (a small child on an adult's lap rides free). Tickets should be purchased at the Ticket Office on the day in the normal way. It is advisable to notify the train crew ahead of time if you have a birthday group coming aboard; that way the conductor can reserve space for you or even make a special run if the group is large enough. [Note: We do not offer special group rates or tours.] If you become a PMRR Family Member ($35 per annum), you and your immediate family qualify for unlimited free rides for one year. A PMRR Family Annual Membership can be purchased at the Ticket Office. While at the Ticket Office, be sure to browse around the Gift Shop for that elusive train-related birthday gift that will delight your youngster. Picnic Facilities Advance reservation for a picnic area in the greenpark is not required. Space is on a first come, first served basis; just select your spot and set up. There are 5 or 6 barbeques scattered about in the greenpark area. You'll need to bring the fuel and means of ignition, of course. There are plenty of tables with bench seats, too. Streamers, signs, balloons, pinadas, etc. can be draped from the overhanging tree branches. We recommend that someone comes early to stake out your claim, especially if the weather's fine. The Park is becoming increasingly popular for weekend picnics. Complete information about Old Poway Park's facilities is available online at the City of Poway's website. Reservations If you want to reserve Templars Hall, the Porter House, or the Gazebo, you will need to contact the City's Park Ranger office at (858) 679-4313. |