It was a warm, near to summer day at the shoreline of beautiful Lake Anna State Park. The red, yellow and blue colored new Toddle Train Playground gleamed brightly in the morning sun. Children of all ages gathered round to hear stories as told by local author Linda Salisbury. We heard tales of trains, cats and bears while munching on snacks provided by the Friends of Lake Anna State Park. After an adventurous story time, it was time to try out the new playground! There were train cars with a dining table and seats, a box car with benches, a tube to crawl through, steps to climb and a fun slide to enjoy!
The Toddler Train Play ground began as a special project by the Friends of Lake Anna State Park. It was a sweet story inspired by the granddaughter of Jo Finch, the President of The Friends of Lake Anna State Park. One day while Megan was visiting her Grandmother Jo from out of town, they decided to go to the park and play on the existing playground. When they got there, Jo Finch quickly realized that the equipment was designed more for older children and was too big for her small, young grandchild. Megan told her about a place she liked to play near her home that resembled a train. The wheels started turning and soon the Friends group would be on the move to build a playground just for toddlers. That was just a year ago! Now the playground is installed and enjoyed by children that visit the park.
The “train type playground” is in keeping with the historic aspect of the abandoned railroad track that ran through the park property. The Park developed a trail, Railroad Ford Trail, utilizing the old railroad grade built in 1916. It actually carried Lead and Zinc Ore used in ammunition for war efforts in World War I. The trail is used as a very important part of historic interpretation for the county’s connection to WWI. The train was also used for transportation in connection to the Goodwin Gold Mine that is still in evidence today at the park.
The “playground train” will provide a safe play area for 2-5 year olds as well as opportunities for educational interpretive programming.
The Friends raised the funds for the playground through donations from the community, a loan from the Virginia Association of Parks and a grant from Dominion Resources.
Donations came from:
Friends of Lake Anna State Park. Personal contributions were made by Edna Musser, Lake Anna Boat Lifts, Anna L. Johnson, Shannon & Clay Athey, Johnny & Jo Finch, Kathleen Elim, Lake Anna State Park Visitors, Lake Anna Winery, Brooks Boat Docks & Decks, Kathy Brodie – Lake Anna Realty, Lynda Moore, William & Marilyn Holcomb, Tom Shaw, John & Pamela Cobb, James Hughes, Linda Chaney, J.T. & Kay Oliver, Alex & Marge Leitner, Dave & Linda Fosdick and Marilyn & Gerald Root.
If you would like more information on the Friends of Lake Anna State Park, please visit their website on Virginia Outdoorswww.virginiastateparks.gov
