I tried to bring up the idea of laying track south of Cross Rd briefly 1 year ago in the old forum, with the replies mainly about how it would get in the way of pickup truck parking!
But I second Stewart's proposal of using lightweight rail. If we were to do that with "gravel" ballast as was in place in the original railroad, we could give visitors a view of how the original railroad looked in addition to giving the handcars a place to roam. It would definitely add to the big picture of the museum experience now, and some year if we cross Cross Rd it could always be upgraded as needed.
And a little seasonal flooding only adds to the authenticity!