
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 29, 1990                   TAG: 9007310322
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DRAW TOURISTS WITH BETTER TRAIN RIDE ON MOUNTAIN

ON JUNE 9, we traveled to Mill Mountain to see the Jim Fowler presentation at the zoo's amphitheater. Fowler made several statements about the spectacular view from the zoo's location. He said he had visited many zoos, but none with a view like Mill Mountain's.

Besides being close to the parkway, and with all the local (and out-of-state) children's interest in seeing the exotic animals such as Ruby, there is one more operation at the zoo that could attract tourists. With a little more expansion of track and improvements, the children's train ride could have some extra overlooking views of the valley and mountains.

A replica of an authentic Norfolk & Western steam locomotive to pull the cars would add to the historical side of the operation. (A propane-powered mini-replica of the Class J 611 would make the ride historically complete.)

If a tourist brochure were available at locations along the entire stretch of the parkway showing children of tourists that they could see all the exotic animals and take a mountaintop train ride all in one location, you could bet they would be telling Mom and Pop to stop at Mill Mountain.

Wouldn't it be nice if the giant railroad corporation in Roanoke would pitch in and help this small mountaintop railroad be what it should be? Wouldn't it be nice if other area corporations could be involved with the habitat projects at the zoo, and invest in something beautiful the Roanoke Valley already has? JOHN KINNEY JR. NARROWS

by CNB