Trains get a face life

See anything shiny and new looking in Cape Girardeau today?

Two local optimist clubs came together on Saturday, June 11, 2011 to restore the trains in Capaha and Arena Parks.

The Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist club which has more members took Hoppy, the larger of the two engines in Arena Park and the Esprit Optimist Club took Dinky, the smaller train in Capaha Park.

"We are all about the children in the community", stated Kristin Ham, Past President of the Evening club, "these trains are a place where children come and play, they enjoy ringing the bell on the train in Arena Park, This is just who we are as Optimists"

"These trains have a significant history in this community, both to the city of Cape Girardeau, and to these two Optimist Clubs. Both groups were happy and eager to get out there and restore these engines" Said, Thomas L. Meyer, President of the Esprit club.

A group of about 30 people combined, along with the Boy Scouts Pack 20 came out to scrub, brush, wipe, and paint these trains back to life.

If you see an Optimist, say thank you, they are after all, responsible for these trains being in your community parks.