Lakes Park is Home to Railroad Museum, Interpretive Center

FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 9, 2008) – With the clang of a bell, all who were aboard for the opening of the Railroad Museum and Interpretive Center gathered to celebrate the culmination of a 16 year journey. Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the last stop for The Railroad Museum of South Florida as they settled into their new home in Lakes Park. On hand to conduct the ceremony was Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann. Mann was joined in the program by Lee County Commission Chairman Ray Judah, Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Barbara Manzo and Railroad Museum President Jerry Ladner.

Special guest Ralph Clements took to the cab of Atlantic Coastline Steam Locomotive #143, a position he retired from in 1988. Clements was the last engineer to guide the locomotive, taking over the position from his father. Locomotive #143 is Florida’s oldest steam locomotive and was acquired by The Railroad Museum in the early 1990’s. It was restored by the Museum in 2001.

The 6,000 square foot railroad depot-style building houses artifacts, exhibits of historical significance and general information. Several model trains chug through the center, one at ceiling height. Tickets for the miniature train rides are purchased at the depot. The building was designed to resemble historical railroad depots, with deep overhangs surrounding the structure providing shade for the comfort of waiting passengers. Architectural services were provided by BSSW Architects, Inc. and Casey Construction served as the General Contractor for the $785,000 project.