Hermann Park Conservancy Unveils New Electric Locomotives for Historic Railroad

Electric locomotives sponsored by ExxonMobil and John P. McGovern Foundation set to run on the Hermann Park Railroad

Hermann Park Conservancy unveiled two new electric locomotives for its historic Hermann Park Railroad. ExxonMobil and the John P. McGovern Foundation supported the upgrade and have each named a locomotive.

A meaningful aspect behind the dedication of one of the new electric locomotives is the continuation of a cherished legacy within Hermann Park.

“The McGovern Foundation is delighted to dedicate one of the new electric locomotives,” said Julia Mitchell of the John P. McGovern Foundation. “The Foundation supported the original upgrade to the railroad in 2008, naming one locomotive the Dr. Jack Express. The new electric locomotive will don the same name to honor Dr. McGovern and his wife Kathy McGovern’s wishes, and their collective longtime stewardship of Hermann Park. We cannot wait to wave to the thousands of smiling Houstonians enjoying their rides in the Park with the Dr. Jack Express leading the way!”

The Hermann Park Railroad has been a beloved Houston attraction for nearly 70 years. Since the Conservancy took over its operations in March 2008, more than 5 million riders have experienced a scenic loop around the Park. In addition to providing a unique visitor experience in the Park, Railroad operations bring in more than $1.2 million annually to support the Conservancy’s mission to maintain and improve Hermann Park.

“We are proud to support Hermann Park’s legacy by enhancing a cherished part of the Park’s experience – the historic railroad,” said Alvin Abraham, global manager of corporate giving at ExxonMobil. “We hope to create a source of joy for families across Houston, providing them with the chance to create lasting memories and experiences through the ExxonMobil Express for
years to come.”

Three substations around Hermann Park provide access to the McGovern Centennial Gardens, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Rice University, the Japanese Garden, the new Commons, and make for an easy connection to Houston’s METRORail system.

Photos: Courtesy of Hermann Park Conservancy