The Hagerstown City Park Train Hub reopened Saturday with bells, whistles and puffs of smoke.

"Over the past two years, we have made improvements to this site and are excited to share the history of (Steam Locomotive Engine) 202, and the development of the City Park Train Hub," said Amy Riley, coordinator with the city's Parks and Recreation department. 

Crowds of families came out to tour Engine 202, visit the City Park Railroad Museum, explore the open rail cars, witness a ribbon cutting, climb aboard the train-themed playground and ride the train "Tommy 202."

Abby Discini of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., brought her 4-year-old son, Armando Discini.

"He loves trains," she said. "Trains are his life all day, every day."

Tammy Needy of Hagerstown brought her granddaughter, 5-year-old Ruby DeRienzo, who was visiting from South Carolina.

"We thought this would be perfect," Needy said. "It's a perfect day for this. It's not too hot, and it's not raining."

"For well over 150 years, railroading has been a huge part of Western Maryland and Hagerstown," Hagerstown Mayor Emily Keller, said to the crowd. "Known as the Hub City, Hagerstown has been a center for railroading and industry since the early 20th century and has a long legacy."

Steam Locomotive Engine 202 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Retired from the railroad in 1953, it was dedicated to the children of Hagerstown and relocated to Hagerstown City Park," Riley said. "Soon the site became known as the Railroad Museum as various other train cars and cabooses were added to the site.

"In honor of Hagerstown's legacy as the Hub City, we decided to rename the site the City Park Train Hub in 2018, and added the large platform-style pavilion and playground."

The City Park Train Hub has received new signage, exhibits and activities for families. 

Kevin Kneer, an architect with Proffitt and Associates, explained additional improvements planned for Steam Engine 202.

Work includes replacing missing components, such as valve handles, boiler water sight glass, a tool tray, manual water level check and an engineer's seat and fireman's seat.

Kneer said the missing components will be replaced, and Engine 202 will eventually be moved to a new shelter location. 

Costs for the renovations were not available.

Steam Engine 202 is the only Western Maryland K2 road-type steam locomotive, Riley said. In addition to the locomotive and its coal tender, there are six cabooses.