Event Pavilion for Alna Center - Official Reassembly Thread

[Bill Baskerville]

Someday there may be parking just beyond T.O.M. on the land we just purchased once we get tracks down there, then we could have a lot more riders at events. All in good time. Probably, my song will be "AFTER I'M GONE!
..

I know this defeats the purpose of the train ride, but we could always improve Avrial (sp?) and have parking there.  It may require us to purchase more land for a parking lot.  Folks who could not get a train / event ticket could purchase an event only ticket. 

It may be a way to take advantage of our success in drawing more folks to our events.

[Graham Buxton]

If the events happening at Alna Center really draw a lot of people, and particularly since these events may include "food" in some fashion, I think a "flush toilet" facility probably should come before a parking lot.

Porta-potties are certainly a big step up from going in the woods, but to achieve real success, we need to attract families. That also means that some of those family members are not necessarily die-hard railfans. Those families are drawn in by the "event", not necessarily just the train itself. After all, that is the reason why we  stage the  events in the first place.  Offering flush toilets and hot/warm water hand washing facilities should be a priority.

When large events are serving food on a commercial scale (vendors etc), in  some states/cities, hand washing facilities for the food handlers with hot water are required.

[Ed Lecuyer]

Improved/permanent toilet facilities are part of the Alna Center plans. They should be funded as part of the 2019 Fall Fundraiser. Anyone who wants to ensure that these improvements at Alna Center are enacted should feel free to donate to the drive.

[Graham Buxton]

After I returned my Fund Drive check, I didn't keep the letter itself, and I don't really recall the specific contents.

If a restroom facility is planned for AC, does that imply that commercial electric power will be run out there too?   I assume that a water well would be needed, so presumably the well pump is not going to be steam powered.

Available running water and electric power might have some impact on how a "BBQ pit" would be designed.

[Ed Lecuyer]

I should clarify:
The improved facilities currently envisioned were for a solar-powered toilet facility, as can be found at campgrounds, trails, etc.  Anything beyond that would require power, septic, water, etc., and is well-beyond the scope of the current fundraiser or planned improvements.

That said, I suspect the day will come that we do, in fact, have all these amenities at Alna Center; but not anytime soon.

[Carl G. Soderstrom]

As I stated elsewhere, I went to a wedding at an "Event Barn".  The facilities were a trailer
with hot/warm water and RV flush toilets. Heated areas about 6X6. I am currently waiting for information about the facility
from the bride. It may or may not be a National organization.  As a rental item it could be on site only for events.
Unfortunately it requires water & electricity - but parked next to Tank Car 14 and a small generator might be all that
is needed.

If it is not a national company it may be a business opportunity for someone in the area.
 

[Paul Crabb]

There are a lot of them in the Newport RI area. Around here the companies that rent porta johns have them.

[Carl G. Soderstrom]

A place to start inquiries.

[Mike Fox]

We cut a couple of trees today, the last 2 that were leaning toward the Pavilion site.

Then I piled the ballast. About an hours work, when I stopped for lunch.





End of the day..the kids will love the pile..

[Jeff Schumaker]

That appears to be one massive pile of stone.

Jeff S.

[Mike Fox]

Dwight sent me this picture he took Saturday of the stacking of the ballast, making room for VC..

[John Kokas]

I don't know Mike;  Are you really stacking ballast or playing King of the Hill?   

[James Patten]

I should have taken a picture of Mike and the loader at 40 degrees or so, climbing the hill of stone to dump more.  See Mike's last picture for an idea of the angle.  I was surprised it could do it.

[Mike Fox]

3 yards of cement has been scheduled for 9:30 Friday..

[Roger Cole]

That's good.  I always thought you shouldn't do concrete work when it is below freezing at night, but I guess it gives off heat as it cures.  Is concrete available in Jan-Feb or do they shut down?