Train-Watcher's Heaven
by Bill Jolitz | Apr 03, 2013
| 1 Comment
| 1 Comment
Summary:
This project builds a safe viewing platform for train-watchers at the internationally-recognized "Hot Spot" of Dayton's Bluff/Hoffman Avenue. It is a covered and fenced facility where train buffs can safely watch and photograph the parade of trains at this location. An adjacent parking lot will keep cars off the street and centralized. TRAINS Magazine identifies specific areas with high traffic density as "Hot Spots," places where people can to and expect to see plenty of action during short periods of time.
Currently, the area is not-exactly-friends to train buffs. No parking. No trespassing. Not safe. However, sufficient vacant land is available to make this idea a reality.
About You
About You
First Name
Bill
Last Name
Jolitz
City
County
Country
United States
Website (if you have one)
Names of others who helped contribute to my idea
How did you hear about the Forever Saint Paul Challenge?
About Your Organization (if applicable)
Organization Name (if applicable)
Bill Jolitz, Photographer
Organization Website
Organization Phone
Organization Address
City
Organization Country
United States
Your idea
Title of your idea
Train-Watcher's Heaven
Give us the highlights of your idea for making Saint Paul great (2,000 characters maximum or approx. 250 words)
This project builds a safe viewing platform for train-watchers at the internationally-recognized "Hot Spot" of Dayton's Bluff/Hoffman Avenue. It is a covered and fenced facility where train buffs can safely watch and photograph the parade of trains at this location. An adjacent parking lot will keep cars off the street and centralized. TRAINS Magazine identifies specific areas with high traffic density as "Hot Spots," places where people can to and expect to see plenty of action during short periods of time.
Currently, the area is not-exactly-friends to train buffs. No parking. No trespassing. Not safe. However, sufficient vacant land is available to make this idea a reality.
Website address (if applicable)
Innovation
What makes your idea different or unexpected? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
Actually, not much, in the grand scheme of things. Several other municipalities have done this including Rochelle, IL and North Platte, NE. However, it is new to this area.
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
How will your idea make a difference in Saint Paul? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
It will bring in out-of-town tourists. Most rail buffs are men, and Dayton's Bluff is an urban/railroad. Men will pilgrimage here. Most wives could care less, so they can go shopping at Mall of America, a destination in itself.
Locals love the place and would hang out there and in St Paul if only they could do it easily.
Sustainability
Why do you think people will recognize or remember your idea after it comes to life? How might it inspire others to do something similar in their community? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
The idea is already recognized, the problem being that St Paul doesn't have a viewing platform. They can be relatively inexpensive to build, unobtrusive and able to fit into many Twin Cities locations.
We can expect it to be publicized widely in the train buff community. One prominent author, Steve Glischinsky, will be certain to make it happen.
 | johnshantelle143 johnshantelle143 said: Heaven might be true but what is important is to have faith. - Integrity Spas about this Competition Entry. - 2611 days ago read more > |
 | Bill Jolitz updated this Competition Entry. - 2849 days ago |
 | Bill Jolitz submitted this idea. - 2849 days ago |
Take action: |
||
|
discuss |
share this entry |
|
|
Like this (0 likes) | ||