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Sykesville S&P Railway group thanks council, seeks event collaboration and help recruiting members
Summary
Representatives of the Sykesville and S&P Railway told the council during public comment that the volunteer group has been active locally for about 30 years, reported fundraising and attendance figures for 2024, and asked the town to help coordinate on events and outreach to reverse an aging membership trend.
Three representatives of the Sykesville and S&P Railway addressed the council during the Feb. 24 public‑comment period, thanking the mayor and council for support, summarizing 2024 operating metrics and asking for help coordinating with town events and parks staff to boost attendance and recruitment.
Wally Thompson, the group’s town liaison, said the organization has been part of the community “for 30 years.” He introduced Jim Measmer, the group’s president and a 45‑year Sykesville resident, and Tom Hay, vice president. The group provided a packet to council members with its 2025 schedule and a brief financial/operating summary.
Tom Hay told the council the group recorded visitor attendance and financial metrics in 2024, reported visitor donations of about $1,656 and membership revenue of roughly $475, and said the group was open about 16 times in 2024. Hay said the group received a small grant (about $1,200) from an organization connected to the National Christmas Tree Railroad program to restore and repaint the Pullman car roof.
Hay and other members told councilors they are seeing an aging membership and declining dues revenue and asked to coordinate with town Parks & Recreation, particularly around seasonal events such as the Santa visit, to improve outreach and recruitment. Council members encouraged the group to coordinate directly with Parks & Recreation and with the town’s events organizers; one councilor suggested the S&P Railway present at a Parks & Recreation meeting and to use the township’s outreach channels.
Ending
The council thanked the S&P Railway representatives for their community service. The group left materials for the town and was encouraged to pursue partnerships with parks and events staff to grow attendance and recruit younger members.
