Local coordination is provided by:
Trails Rails Action Committee,
P. O. Box 111, Wakefield, N. H: 03872.
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USGS
Topographic
map of Sanbornville
Turntable Park is a memorial to the railroad heritage of this small town using the land once occupied by the Sanbornville Engine House and related railroad facilities. A take-out seafood restaurant currently occupies the building that must have been the Sanbornville Railroad Station, across the street (south) from the Park.
Restored Railroad Turntable. Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on October 13, 1997.
Outdoor Stage Set at Turntable Park. Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on October 13, 1997.
The restored railroad turntable is the centerpiece of Turntable Park, while the outdoor stage set incorporates typical railroad station architecture.
A broad gravel walking trail runs from the parking lot to the end of the fence at the rear of the park. At the rear of the groomed park, the trail becomes a dirt road alongside two totally unused railroad tracks which are totally cut off from the nearby railroad main line. The trail eventually becomes a narrow but comfortable footpath alongside a single track, which eventually crosses the track at a point when it otherwise seems to vanish completely. The trail then jogs north slightly to accommodate a short railroad siding that is hidden in the grass and weeds, then ends at the very busy Route 16 close to the Miss Wakefield Diner. Note the complete absence of signs at either end of this trail segment.
Looking west across Route 16 crossing. Digital photograph by Kenyon F. Karl on October 13, 1997.
The active railroad track of
the New Hampshire North Coast Railroad is behind the chain link fence along the
east side of Turntable
Park. Trespassing on this active
railroad track is both forbidden and potentially dangerous due to
the speed and sheer weight of the passing gravel trains!
The tracks north of Turntable Park to Route 16 are totally
unused.
Public Parking
and a picnic table is available at Turntable Park.
A restaurant occupies what appears to be the old railroad station across the street from Turntable
Park.
An old fashioned diner is across the busy highway from the Route 16 end of this
trail segment.
The municipal police
station is a short distance west of Turntable Park.
Listed on the National
Register of Historic Places: St. John's Church, Rectory, and Parish Hall High St. Wakefield
Updated on December 07, 2001 by Kenyon F. Karl <[email protected]> using information collected on October 13, 1997. Unintentional errors are likely!
Sign images are from the Manual of Traffic Signs by Richard C. Moeur.
