MONTEREY, Calif. -- Right now, if kids follow the tracks in Dennis the Menace park, they will run into a fence stopping them from playing on the beloved train. Taking down that fence is the number one thing the "Save the Train" group is trying to do, and the group has quite the following.
"Its phenomenal. Any business would pay to have this happen on their Facebook page," said Co-Founder of Save the Train, Brain Flores.
The group has over 8,100 "likes" on their Facebook page and counting. Flores says the amount of support has even made an impression on the Monterey City Council.
Council members decided Tuesday night to give the group a chance to find an inspector to iron out what can bring the train up to state code.
Thursday, a local playground inspector showed Central Coast News that a lot needs to be done. The inspector chose to stay anonymous.
First thing he pointed out was the height of the train, which he said can be deadly if a kid falls off. He said the sand isn't enough of a safety net.
Also, the small openings in the train is an issue, which he says a kid's head could get stuck in. Lastly, parts that are sticking out could cause cuts or bruises.
Those observations were just on the surface, and what he could see from behind the fence. He said there is probably a lot more.
Yet, with all that in mind, the "Save the Train" group remains hopeful that their strong support will keep the train in its tracks.
"Look this grassroots movement, it has the voice of the people behind it," said Flores.
