Officials credit local volunteers and partners after America 250 'Buckeye Train' visit to Newark

City staff told the council that Newark's participation in an America 250 "Buckeye Train" event on April 26 drew a large crowd and required extensive local coordination.

Mark Motter, Newark's economic and community development director, summarized the city’s role in creating a downtown boarding site and credited local partners and volunteers. "There were approximately 750 people who traveled to our city, Newark, Ohio, to have this America 250 train experience," Motter said, adding that people came from dozens of cities and multiple states and that Governor DeWine attended the Newark boarding.

Motter singled out Councilwoman Beth Bly and local partners — including the Genesee and Wyoming Railroad, the Denison Railroad Museum, architect Phil Claggett and local contractors and suppliers — for helping build the temporary boarding site, install a necessary staircase and clean and beautify the area. He thanked street and zoning staff, public-safety personnel and volunteer organizations who helped prepare and protect the site.

Council members responded with public thanks to volunteers and reports that the event boosted downtown vibrancy. Several council members said the event illustrated the potential for passenger-rail tourism and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

The council did not take action on policy related to passenger rail at the meeting but members noted the event's economic and community-relationship benefits.