Train reopens on Saturday

City asks riders to follow CDC, DHEC guidelines

Simpsonville, S.C. — The Simpsonville Parks & Recreation Department will host opening day 2021 for the Heritage Park Railway on Saturday.

After closing in December for the winter, the miniature replica steam engine in Heritage Park will be back on the tracks for the young and young-at-heart to ride as spring approaches. Train operator Engineer Al Wood said he is excited about opening day.

"The train is ready to go for Saturday, and we hope the public will come out to enjoy the Railway, Heritage Park and just being outside," Wood said. "My favorite part of the job is seeing the smiles on the kids' faces, and I look forward to seeing a lot of smiles this weekend."

Al Wood of the Simpsonville Parks & Rec Department is the conductor for the Heritage Park Railway train | Source: Al Wood

Heritage Park Railway will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and run until 6 p.m. Rides are $3 per person; kids under 2 years old ride free with an adult.

Simpsonville Community Relations Specialist Justin Campbell said Heritage Park Railway is another one of the many opportunities for outdoor recreation offered by the City of Simpsonville.

"A year ago, Parks & Rec events were being canceled or postponed due to the pandemic," Campbell said. "Over the last 12 months, Parks & Rec and the City have endeavored to maintain a sense of normalcy in Simpsonville by continuing to provide public services and events, including recreation. While we're not out of the COVID-19 woods yet, opening day of Heritage Park Railway is a sign for Simpsonville that brighter days are ahead."

The Simpsonville Parks & Recreation Department asks visitors to the Railway this weekend to abide by guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Heritage Park Railway will reopen Sunday at 1-6 p.m., and the Railway will remain open the same Saturday and Sunday hours weather permitting. Visit the Train Opening Day 2021 and Heritage Park Railway Facebook pages for updates.