"My dad's big pleasure in life was giving kids rides:" Carmex family donates train to Bay Beach



GREEN BAY (WITI) -- Most people don't have trains in their backyard, but one Wisconsin man did! Now, his son is giving those trains away, and he believes he's found a good use for them.

For years, Bay Beach Amusement Park has been a favorite spot for Pat Schroeder's family.

"We're married 50 years, so I would so that we've been coming about 50 years, off and on," Schroeder said.

The city-owned park could be getting a donation from the family that owns the lip-balm company Carmex.

Paul Woelbing is the president of Carma Laboratories in the Milwaukee suburb of Franklin.

"My dad's big pleasure in life was giving kids rides," Woelbing said.

He says his late father had 3,000 feet of train tracks in his backyard.

"He was just anxious for neighbors to come over or any work associates to come over and give their kids rides," Woelbing said.

Woelbing believes Bay Beach would a great place to honor his dad.

He's been to the park before, and wants to donate three trains.

"I just love the idea that it was run by the city and the fact that families can come, and with $20 in their pocket, have a great day," Woelbing said.

Bay Beach has two trains on a small track right now.

City leaders have already discussed expanding it.

Part of the park's master plan calls for the train to run under the Zippin' Pippin Roller Coaster.

"Anything that's added to the park will make everything so much better," Schroeder said.

Schroeder is excited about the possible new trains.

Woelbing hopes the donation can happen this year.

"It was wonderful when it was small, so it will be even better when it's bigger," Schroeder said.

Green Bay's Parks Committee will discuss the donation request at its meeting next Wednesday, July 9th and will explain the plans for the trains after that meeting.