Dear Friends,

We’re gearing up to get more attention to our mission to restore the zoo railway’s Rose Garden Loop. You can help!

First, some news. 

I meet monthly with leaders at Metro. They are moving forward to create a public/private task force on the zoo railway’s future. I will represent the Friends on this task force. 

Metro is hoping for a yes vote on the Zoo Bond in the May election. The $380 million bond measure would in effect extend the current one with no increase in the tax rate. As planned, proceeds would be used to upgrade animal habitat and zoo infrastructure—but not the railway.  

This could change. We urge the Friends to support the bond measure AND press your Metro Councilor and council president Lynn Peterson to include the Rose Garden Loop when they vote on detailed spending plans this fall. 

Mark your calendar for a fun and purposeful meet-up Thursday, June 20, 11am. Celebrate the 65th anniversary of the zoo railway’s iconic Steamer Oregon and the Washington Park Station. Bring your kids to Picnic Area A off Kingston Drive next to the Rose Garden. You’ll find art supplies for expressing your support for the Rose Garden Loop. Titus the Tiger and his sidekick, Rac the Raccoon, will give kids a good show.

Expect to find Friends hosting information displays at various summer events in and around Portland this summer. Interested in volunteering? Send me an email at president@fwpzr.org and we’ll put you to work.

For the Friends,

Kathy Goeddel, President