The steam train that's been a beloved attraction inside Tilden Regional Park in the East Bay for seven decades may be on its way out for good. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the private owner of the train is threatening to shut it down if she doesn't get a long-term contract from the East Bay Regional Park District. She's been operating on a month-to-month deal for seven years, which the owner says does not allow for capital improvements.
Founded by then-high school student Rhett Jones, the park was the first of its kind in the region. Launched in late 2023, it quickly became a must-visit destination for jump-hungry riders in the Lone Star State. What began as a $350,000 seed investment from nearly 20 backers was promised to deliver Texas a public mountain bike destination that could overhaul the region's otherwise small scene.
