Visitors - and certainly the volunteers - to this year’s Kingfisher Winter Nights may have noticed some upgrades at the train depot at Kingfisher Park.

That’s due to the handiwork of students from Chisholm Trail Technology Center’s construction trades program.

Several of those students recently completed a sixweek remodel project at the depot.

Under the direction of CTTC carpentry instructor Gene Askey, the students reviewed the project scope, measured the space and calculated material quantities, giving them real-world experience in estimating, layout and job planning— skills critical in the construction industry.

Once planning was complete and materials were accounted for, students moved into the demolition phase, which might have been their favorite part of the whole process, Askey said.

They removed the building’s existing cabinets and ticket booth, learning proper demolition techniques and job site safety practices.

With the space opened, students transitioned into interior repair and finish work, patching drywall and repairing damaged areas, Askey added.

After the repairs were completed, the entire room was hand-textured, giving the interior a more modern finish.

Following the re-texturing process, students primed and painted both the walls and the floor, completely refreshing the space.

With the interior prepared, the project moved into the most anticipated phase - cabinet construction and installation, Askey said.

Students built a total of six cabinets, including two 24-inch base cabinets, two 36-inch base cabinets and two 30-inch upper cabinets.

All cabinets were constructed from maple and finished with several coats of two types of lacquer.

The highlight of the project was the custom-built, seven-foot ticket booth, Askey said.

Students worked together to design, build and install the booth, applying precise measurements, joinery skills and problem- solving throughout the process.

The finished ticket booth now serves as a functional focal point for the Kingfi sher Winter Nights event, Askey said.

“This six-week project allowed students to experience the full construction process—from planning and estimating to demolition, finishing, cabinetry and installation—while making a lasting impact on a valued community space,” Askey commented.

“Projects like this provide students with handson experience, confidence in their abilities and a strong foundation for future careers in the construction trades.”