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2006 in Review
Folsom had a very busy year - the Zoo went through an expansion (with more coming), the new bridge is making progress, and the railroad block was approved. Folsom certainly had a busy 2006, but it is very likely that 2007 will be even busier.Labels: Folsom Dam Bridge, Folsom Zoo, Railroad Block, railroads
posted December 27, 2006
$15M Bond To Help Railroad Block
The Folsom City Council just approved a $15 million bond to help fund the parking structure and public plaza. The 30-year bond will have a 4.4% interest rate - Folsom's city rating is an A+, as measured by Standard & Poor.Labels: Folsom City Council, Old Folsom, Parking, Railroad Block, railroads
posted December 11, 2006
Downtown Railyard Revitalization Approved
Sacramento may be wondering how to revitalize their railyards, however Folsom will be moving full steam ahead on a revitalization with a Railroad Block near the original railroad turntable in historic Folsom. Tourist-attraction shops and lofts are expected to be included. Work begins in early 2007.
* More on the Railroad BlockLabels: Railroad Block, railroads
posted November 13, 2006
It's Handcar Season!
The yearly tradition of the Folsom Handcar Derby is upon us again. Young and old will convene this weekend for the 15th annual event - teams of five race along East Bidwell for the fastest runs. Test runs are on Saturday, and the events begin at 10 a.m. Sunday.Labels: Folsom Handcar Derby, railroads
posted May 03, 2006
Bike to Work Day Tomorrow
It's officially "Bike to Work Week", however the soggy weather has likely been dampening the spirits of organizers of the annual event. Get out your bike on Friday and take advantage of the Bike to Work Week festivities going on from 11 am - 1 pm at the Railroad Block off of Sutter Street.
* Register at Bike Commute Week
* Folsom Area Bicycle Advocates (FABA)Labels: Bike to Work Week, biking, Railroad Block, railroads, Sutter Street
posted May 19, 2005
$30 Million Gamble
Folsom is banking heavily on the success of light rail. With the newly-planned Railroad Block in the mix, the city is hoping that what is now a parking lot will soon be a hub of activity, reminiscent of the city's gold rush days. The Railroad Block will focus around the restored turntable near Sutter Street. Full story in the Bee.Labels: Light Rail, Railroad Block, railroads, Sutter Street
posted March 08, 2005
Historic Railway Found
An old rail route between Loomis and Folsom that was only used for 2 years has been discovered and re-created, thanks to GPS satellite navigation. The route was in place between 1860 and 1862; it was originally intended to go all the way to Auburn but ran out of money. The occasional railroad tie are the only remnants of this old route. Full details in this week's Telegraph.Labels: railroads
posted February 23, 2005
Railroad Enthusiasts Seek Extension Line
With light rail coming in soon, the timing is appropriate to look at what's next as far as light rail and similar interests. One such idea which has been kicked around for several years is reviving an old rail line which goes from Old Folsom up to Placerville. Though currently unused, enthusiasts would like to see the line preserved and used for shuttles and excursions. Full story
* Folsom, El Dorado, & Sacramento Historical Railroad Association websiteLabels: Light Rail, railroads
posted November 27, 2004
The Little Engine That Could
Perhaps the most popular attraction at the Folsom City Lions Park is its miniature railroad track, along with the miniature train that goes along with it. Terry Gold (the "Choo Choo Man") has been operating the train for 14 years now, and hopes to expand it when the library is built. See the full story in the Bee.Labels: Folsom Library, railroads
posted August 22, 2004
Railroad Block Plan Approved
City Council unanimously approved plans for a 6.7 acre parcel in Historic Folsom, dubbed "the Railroad Block", which surrounds a restored railroad turntable. The developed parcel will include a public square, amphitheater, and Folsom Depot. Next up is how to finance the project. Full details in the Bee.Labels: Folsom City Council, Railroad Block, railroads
posted June 13, 2004
Excursion Train Sought
Railroad enthusiasts are optimistic about the proposed plans for an excursion train from Historic Folsom to the Broadstone area, over tracks which have not been in use for many years. The cost would not come cheap - $3.5 Million - and would likely not be a profitable venture. Unfazed, supporters still feel it would be worth it, for the sake of preserving Folsom's rich railroad heritage. More in the Bee.Labels: railroads
posted February 05, 2004
Railroad Block Fate Undetermined
What will become of the Railroad Block area, currently a parking lot by the Chamber of Commerce? It could be several things - mixed use for light rail, residential, retail and office; an entertainment hub with a theater, art galleries and shops; or even a scaled back development that's mostly parking. Folsom Depot (currently where the Chamber is) is a hot topic however, as 3 out of 5 proposals involve moving it. More in the Bee.Labels: art, Railroad Block, railroads
posted November 14, 2003
5.1.2003
12th Annual Handcar Derby This Weekend
Strong arms will be on display this weekend on the train tracks in Broadstone (by Home Depot), as Folsom's 12th annual Handcar Derby is kicked off. What started as a fundraiser to re-create the historic railroad turntable has turned in to a popular annual event in Folsom. Though they are no longer raising money, people still some our every year to cheer on the competitors and enjoy the sunshine. Click here for the details.
Also See: Derby Entry Form / Sponsorship Information / Articles in Bee / TelegraphLabels: Folsom Handcar Derby, railroads
posted May 02, 2003
Sign Up Now For Folsom Handcar Races
One of Folsom's annual traditions is now just 2 weeks away! If you and a few of your friends have the skills to push a handcar, you can enter in Folsom's annual Handcar Derby on Sunday, May 4. This 12th Annual Event will be held at a new location this year - it will be along East Bidwell & Broadstone Parkway. Cost is $100 per team of 5, and all teams will get 5 t-shirts. Proceeds go towards F.E.D.S. Historical Railroad Assoc., Inc. Click here for the details.
Also See: Derby Entry Form / Sponsorship InformationLabels: Folsom Handcar Derby, railroads
posted April 18, 2003
Folsom Railroad Museum Rides Back in to Town
After a couple smaller-scale ventures at Ashland Station and American River Shopping Plaza, the Folsom Railroad museum hopes this will be it's final stop, on Wool Street next to the Chamber of Commerce Building. Inside a 1952 railcar, the museum is full of old photographs, railroad artifacts, and even copies of hand-drawn maps by Theodore Judah. Volunteers are even busy at work restoring old railcars right by the museum. The museum is open from 11-4 on weekends. More is in the Bee.
Also See: Folsom Railroad Museum WebsiteLabels: railroads
posted January 30, 2003
City Seeks Funds to Tackle Blight
The City of Folsom is looking to get more money and time for its Central Folsom Redevelopment Project Plan, a plan that includes the railroad block area, historic district, and the corporation yard. The 1,000-acre area scattered throughout town is trying to improve business in some areas and remove blight within the city limits. Improvements to sewer and water facilities are included under the city's plan. More in Thursday's Bee. Labels: Railroad Block, railroads
posted January 02, 2003
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