The Eden Prairie News received the following letter from Julianna Anderson regarding the train at Miller Park: “I’m writing about the changes to Miller Park. Please don’t get rid of the train. You can put ramps on the train, but please don’t get rid of it.”
We asked the city of Eden Prairie’s Parks and Recreation Director, Jay Lotthammer, “What will happen to the train in Miller Park? What are the next steps in the Miller Park playground project?” His response follows:

“Although the train has been a fixture since the park was built in 1994, we are no longer able to obtain replacement parts and the product that it was constructed out of is deteriorating and causing safety hazards. In addition to the increased accessibility for all children, the new theme for the play area takes a nautical approach. This theme fits well at Miller Park with Mitchell Lake as the backdrop for the play area. I know the train has been a popular and memorable play piece, but I am also confident that the new nautical themed equipment will be fun and exciting for the kids.
“Our landscape architects are finalizing the construction documents and we intend to bring the bid results to the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission on Aug. 4 and to the City Council on Aug. 19. We are also continuing to seek funds for the project. The amount that has been fundraised will need to be accepted by the City Council on Aug. 19 prior to award of the bid.”
– Jay Lotthammer, Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation Director