And he's a project of the American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter at the School of Mines.

Tony Kulesa says, "Deep relationships with the alumni at School of Mines and some of the student advisors we have for our group. So we took on the project knowing we have the engineering skills to do it and it would be really fun and to give back to the community like this is something we'll cherish forever."

Connie LeZotte says, "It's wonderful for the park. The children who come in here always go to Willy the Whale. Everybody has to go inside. Everybody has to yell a little. Everybody gets their picture taken."

Willie still needs a paint job, and that will happen before the park opens in the spring. -Jack Caudill