The Austin Parks Foundation announced Oct. 21 that reopening the train will be delayed due to safety issues.
The Zilker train has been out of commission since 2019, when heavy rainfall damaged a small part of the track near Lady Bird Lake. When the damage occurred, the train was owned by the Rodriguez family, while the land was owned by the city. The Rodriguez family concluded their ownership of the train, then called Zilker Zephyr, after the damage.
In 2020, Austin City Council asked the Austin Parks Foundation to restore the train to its former glory.
The APF began its newfound ownership by sending a survey to community members asking what the train should be named. After 750 name submissions, the board of directors and community members, including children, came up with a finalist: The Zilker Eagle, the same name the train bore when it first opened in 1961.
The APF also rebranded the train with the help of the local agency Frank & Victor, adding tie dye and a retro eagle design. The APF added improvements to the concession stand and renovated the train loading dock to be more accessible for people with disabilities.
The train was scheduled to reopen this fall; however, a safety test revealed issues with the brakes and engine.
APF Park Design Director Katie Robillard said the APF id committed to bringing the train back but is having trouble finding a company that specializes in the niche industry of mini train mechanics. Robillard said most mini trains located at zoos and parks sport a 24-inch rail, but the Zilker Eagle sits on a diminutive 20-inch rail, eliminating even the few companies that work on standard mini trains.
Despite these setbacks, Robillard said Austinites can expect the Eagle to be up and running—at the earliest—in fall 2023.
So will the Eagle soar next year? At least, it is on track to do so.
