My story starts as a non-native of Lyons, NY, but as someone who deeply appreciates the beauty and significance of places like the railfanning park in Macungie, PA. I believe there is an opportunity for the town of Lyons to create a similar park - on the vacant plot of land by the grade crossing on Leach Road, right next to the active Empire Corridor. The Town of Lyons could easily acquire the land through eminent domain and turn it into a bustling park when the town can come together for events and recreation.  

This particular location, bustling with the regular passing of CSX freight trains and three Amtrak passenger routes, is a railfan's dream. Crafting a park in this spot would not only appeal to rail enthusiasts but also add to the area's allure and community culture.

We must note how valuable parks are - according to a study, they offer $140 billion in direct benefits every year, including $85 billion from recreational use (National Recreation and Park Association). So, creating a railfanning park at Lyons, NY wouldn't just cater to railfans but potentially add economic value to the community. Such places can often bring people together for events, celebrations, and just because. 

I should point out that there are plenty more parks like this in existence, there is one in Batavia overlooking the same rail line (the Empire Corridor), but without a grade crossing, plus in Pennsylvania, there is the Gallitzin Tunnel Park & Museum with constant Norfolk Southern train action plus the daily Amtrak Pennsylvanian train. There is a private grade crossing at the tunnel portal, so you get horn and (locomotive) bell action when trains enter and emerge from the tunnel portal. Plus, the defect detector gives a readout when trains pass.

Another notable example is Railroad Depot Park in Erlanger, Kentucky. This park has a caboose on static display, a playground, a public restroom, a picnic pavilion, a museum, and a great view of an active mainline. 

I discovered this land while exploring Google Maps, which is how I found out about the park in Erlanger, while the Gallitzin Tunnel Park & Museum is a place I visited back when I was only 10 years old. And that got me thinking, why can't we have more places like the ones in Erlanger and Gallitzin?

Community parks serve as symbols of unity and diversity, reflecting the essence of the place and its people. A railfanning park would add a unique element to Lyons, representing both its historical significance and its current vibrancy, demonstrated by frequent rail transactions.

Let us take this step to celebrate our love for rail-based transportation, enhance community resilience, and add another wonderful feature to Lyons. Sign this petition to support the development of a railfanning park adjacent to the railroad crossing in Lyons, NY.

Image Credit: By Diego Torres Silvestre - Flickr: [2005 Amtrak Maple Leaf Train], CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21408468