Forest Park residents go 'off the rails' in first-ever city trolley tour

September 3rd, 2024

Forest Park trolley — Forest Park has introduced a new city-wide trolley tour to give residents and visitors a peek into developments and landmarks in and around the area. (DorMiya Vance/WABE)

It’s the middle of the week at Starr Park in Forest Park. The sun plays hide and seek with the clouds as people begin to board the trolley.

The car is a glimmering pearly white with some black trim. Inside, there’s a leathery brown interior with enough seating for about 15 people.

Residents of Forest Park aboard the trolley had the chance to go “off the rails” for the first time with the new city’s new guided tour. The ride is a peek into the community’s history and current developments.

Residents ride the trolley — Residents and city officials aboard the first-ever city trolley tour leaving the site of Bluestar Studios in Forest Park. (DorMiya Vance/WABE)

“To be honest, I didn’t know we’d do this type of thing,” said Kenny Le, a 20-year-old resident of Forest Park.

“I think there should be an opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about the history of the city because I know there’s kids cooped up in school or just like staying at home,” he said while aboard the trolley.

Some of the main stops along the tour included Gilem Logistics Center, BlueStar Studios and the State Farmers Market.

The ride’s lead tour guide, Ricky L. Clark Jr. — also the City Manager of Forest Park — said the idea of the effort initially came up in a city meeting earlier this summer.

Forest Park has introduced a new city-wide trolley tour to give residents and visitors a peek into developments and landmarks in and around the area. (DorMiya Vance/WABE)

“Often times we think everybody knows what we’re doing. But in fact, they don’t if they don’t come to the city council meetings. So I told staff … let’s just put together something where we’re able to showcase all the things that’s happening and show them in real-time what it looks like,” Clark said.

Though it was its first run, the tour was useful for Kim McCullough. McCullough said that as a newer resident of Forest Park, the trolley was a way for her to get acquainted with the city and others who live in the area.

The first group of residents on Forest Park’s city trolley tour pose for a picture with local law enforcement at the trolley’s final stop. (DorMiya Vance/WABE)

“I actually feel a great sense of pride knowing the resources here,” McCullough said. “Because I was sitting at home, I live by myself. I don’t know anybody because I moved away from my community. So this has been good to be able to get out, see what there is, you know, to offer, and to meet new people.”

The tour will run again on Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, though the trolley is said to be already booked to capacity.