Corona Recreation Center Youth Camp participants climbed aboard Metrolink for a field trip to the Riverside Art Museum on April 3 during their spring break, with funding provided by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).

For many of the 61 youngsters, this was not only their first visit to a museum, but their first time riding a train. The children, who ranged in age from 5 to 11, boarded Metrolink at the Corona-North Main Station for the 25-minute ride to the Riverside-Downtown Station, accompanied by 10 adult chaperones. The group then walked from the station for a tour of the Riverside Art Museum and hands-on lesson with Art Education Director Caryn Marsella.

Following the art lesson, the group enjoyed sack lunches on the museum rooftop, visited the Main Street Pedestrian Mall next to the Mission Inn, and then returned to the station for the ride back to Corona.

To encourage interest in trains and promote train safety, students received Metrolink pens and Operation Lifesaver “See Tracks, Think Train” key chains and wristbands. Before boarding the train, students learned railroad safety tips and proper conduct aboard Metrolink trains.

Rebecca, 8, was impressed. “Trains are the coolest!” she raved.

Her campmate, Claudine, was less enthusiastic. “I like boats more,” she admitted.

RCTC is part of the Metrolink joint powers authority, which is made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Metrolink operates seven routes through a six-county, 538-mile network with 60 stations. Learn more at metrolinktrains.com.