By Jessica Kenley

Members of the Coudersport Memorial Arboretum gathered in the back room at Kaytee’s Restaurant on Wednesday evening for their regular public meeting, where discussion centered on the future of the Arboretum’s rail car, upcoming summer programming, landscaping projects, and continued community involvement.

One of the evening’s largest topics involved the historic rail car located on borough property near the Arboretum. Board members explained that the Coudersport Lions Club has officially stepped away from involvement with the rail car project, prompting conversations about what comes next.

“We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place,” one board member said while discussing the aging car and uncertainty surrounding ownership and maintenance responsibilities.

The board reported that a railroad preservation group associated with the Allentown & Auburn Railroad has expressed interest in inspecting the rail car to determine whether it could be restored or relocated. Members emphasized that no decisions have yet been made.

“This is the first solid interest,” one member explained, noting that previous inquiries had not moved forward.

Several members also reflected on the rail car’s history in the community. Originally brought to Coudersport by local railroad enthusiasts decades ago, it was intended to celebrate the town’s railroad heritage and complement the Arboretum grounds. However, some members questioned whether the deteriorating structure still fits the Arboretum’s mission today.

“It has become every year more of an eyesore,” one attendee remarked during the discussion.

The board also discussed maintenance needs throughout the Arboretum grounds, including concerns about arborvitae trees near the caboose area and dead wood inside the large Japanese birch tree. A tree specialist from Knoxville recently toured the property and may provide recommendations for trimming and preservation work later this year.

Members praised the continued work of Donnie, a local worker who helps maintain the Arboretum through the Pathways senior employment program. Board members asked the public and volunteers to coordinate with him before arriving to work on projects so his schedule remains manageable.

Planning is also underway for the Arboretum’s popular summer music series and Senior Expo. Organizers said early vendor response for the Senior Expo has already been strong, with more than two dozen vendors expected to participate.

“Last year we had, I think it was 215 people at the Senior Expo,” one organizer said.

Discussion included potential musical entertainment, community partnerships, food donations, and advertising efforts for upcoming events. Organizers encouraged residents to help spread the word and continue supporting the Arboretum’s programming.

Board members also discussed the ongoing memorial brick campaign, which allows community members to honor loved ones with engraved bricks placed throughout the Arboretum grounds and Veteran’s Honor Wall area. Members encouraged the public to continue purchasing commemorative bricks.

Throughout the meeting, attendees repeatedly emphasized the importance of volunteers, community partnerships, and attracting younger generations to remain involved with the Arboretum’s future.

“We need young blood in here,” one member said with a laugh near the close of the meeting.

The Coudersport Memorial Arboretum remains one of Potter County’s most recognizable public spaces, featuring flower-lined walkways, a Veteran’s Honor Wall, an authentic railroad caboose, and an outdoor stage that hosts concerts and community gatherings throughout the summer season. The Arboretum also has a tiny library of books, housed on a stand, that are free for the taking for anyone who is walking by and might be interested.