Kirkwood Celebrating 10 Years as Train Station Owner

It was just 10 years ago that Amtrak was going to close down its train station in Kirkwood to cut back on costs.

After some negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad, the City of Kirkwood worked out a deal to take ownership of the station and operate it with a staff of volunteers, a city press release said.

The 10th anniversary coincides with this year's Rail Safety Day at the station at Argonne Drive and Kirkwood Road. This Saturday, April 20, the City of Kirkwood is planning to host events paired with an open house from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The release said anniversary and Rail Safety Day festivities include:

• Drawing for free train tickets to Chicago or Kansas City
• Free food provided by the Kirkwood American Legion Post
• Live music by Robin Lopate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• An operating model train on display
• Exhibits from Kirkwood Fire Department, Kirkwood Police Department, Missouri Operation Lifesaver, National Museum of Transport, Amtrak, Kirkwood Historical Society, National Railroad Historical Society, Big Bend Model Railroad Club, Morse Telegraph Club, Union Pacific Railroad Police Special Agents

What do you think? Have you used the Kirkwood Train Station? How do you think it impacts the community? Tell us in the comments.