Rowan County commissioners voted Jan. 5 to move forward on replacing the aging miniature train at Dan Nicholas Park, approving a purchase contract for two electric trains and a separate design and survey agreement to prepare the park’s track for a wider, safer gauge.

Presenters described a shift from the current 16-inch gauge to a 24-inch gauge track that they said will improve stability, increase capacity and allow an ADA-accessible first car with a deployable ramp. "We're looking at a 24-inch gauge track," the project presenter said, adding that the trains will be electric with on-board charging at the station so vehicles can top up between runs.

County staff told the board they had budgeted for the project and that an appropriation of $1,343,250 from the county's appropriated fund balance was attached to the agenda; staff also said a pending donor could reimburse part of that amount once details were finalized. "Anna went ahead and attached the full amount for $1,343,250 from appropriated fund balance," county staff said during the meeting. Staff noted a separate $407,616 debt-service line had been budgeted in case borrowing became necessary, but said construction likely will be rebudgeted in the next fiscal year because delivery and build-out are expected to fall outside the current fiscal year.

The board approved a motion to award the purchase contract for the trains and to approve the attached budget and later voted to authorize the county manager to sign a design and survey contract with CESI for $37,007.78 and to approve the corresponding budget amendment. Presenters estimated a supplier delivery time of roughly 6–8 months after contract award and said the county would return to the board for track-construction approvals.

Project proponents said the new trains and track redesign aim to restore Dan Nicholas Park’s regional draw. The presenter said the county consulted with other parks, including those in Raleigh and Annapolis, on design and safety considerations.

The board did not record a roll-call tally for the procurement; the motions to move forward were approved by voice vote. Next steps include finalizing donor arrangements, executing the purchase contract, completing the CESI design work and returning to the board with a construction contract for approval.