UF students work to repair antique caboose in Archer, Fla.

October 14, 2005

WHAT: Students from the University of Florida M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Building Construction have been donating their time to repair an antique caboose for the city of Archer, Fla., under the supervision of and with direct funding from Leon Wetherington, building construction lecturer.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22

WHERE: City Recreational Park, 13975 S.W. 174th St., Archer, Fla.

BACKGROUND: The city of Archer is working to improve its recreational youth programs in order to give the kids in the area something constructive to do. Currently, the city is working to acquire grants to rebuild gymnasiums and other recreation-related structures throughout the community. In a city that has a 28 percent poverty level, this is a difficult task.

The purpose of the caboose project is to restore the antique caboose in the park so that it may eventually be turned into a concession stand or other facility that will allow the city of Archer to better accommodate guest and home sports teams. Because the caboose is in disrepair due to vandalism, old age and neglect, the students hope that this restoration effort will help to beautify the city and will serve as a symbol of which Archer residents can be proud.

Project manager and building construction student James Marini has created a Web site to provide information about the project and track its progress: http://www.jamesmarini.com/caboose/.