Pony Express Park & Railbed Corridor Master Plan

Schwab-Eaton worked with the City of Marysville to prepare a long-range master plan for the redevelopment of an abandoned Union Pacific railway corridor. The master plan calls for development of public plazas, green spaces, bike trails, and other amenities that extend 8 ½ blocks through the central business district to City Park. Pony Express Park is the first part of this multi-phase town center project. The first phase of the park included a colored concrete walk encircling a life-size bronze sculpture of a pony express rider, native limestone seat walls, and raised planter bed. Prairie plants native to Kansas were planted around the statue and in the raised planter. Two Lifetiles animated murals were installed as part of the second phase. The murals feature a pony express rider and horse galloping across the prairie, and a steam locomotive and modern diesel engine. As visitors walk in front of the murals, the images spring to life and appear to move. These murals are the only artwork of their kind in Kansas. The development of Pony Express Park has greatly improved the area, providing a unique place for visitors to experience a piece of Marysville history and the beginnings of a town center for the downtown area. The project was constructed using funds from the City, the Helvering Trust, and private donations. Subsequent phases are planned to occur as monies become available.