ADA, Okla. (KTEN) — A historic cornerstone of Wintersmith Park is finally nearing upgrades after two years of planning by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ada.

The organization's train project began in 1958, providing a short, yet memorable ride around Wintersmith Park.

After operating for 63 years, the club decided upgrades must be done.

"This front area is going to become concrete. We'll be having sidewalks put in," said Kiwanis treasurer Bob Vavricka. "Our new train has wheelchair accessible location. We regrade the track. We're going to provide for drainage."

Upgrades around the train tracks will also benefit outdoor attractions, a project total nearing $1 million. Vavricka said funding for the project has been based on donations from businesses and individuals in Pontotoc County, showing the importance of the attraction to the park.

"They want to help us get this operation going. They brought their kids. They grew up riding the train," Vavricka said. "Their grandparents may have brought them to ride the train. They bring their grandchildren. The train is a big part of Wintersmith Park."

The City of Ada recently announced it will ask voters to renew the Penny for our City sales tax in an election on May 9.

If passed, it will fund rebuilding the retaining wall around Wintersmith Lake, along with a new bridge.

Investment by the city and the Kiwanis Club is noticed by park visitors.

"We have people come from out of town frequently. They'll ride the train and they'll say, 'We're from a much bigger town or city than Ada, and we don't have anything like this,'" Vavricka said.