Austin Parks Foundation

HELP US RESTORE THE ZILKER PARK MINI TRAIN TO ITS FORMER GLORY

WOW! You did it! Thanks to 95 generous members of the community, we reached our $6,000 goal in just three days! Thank you so much for helping to bring back the Zilker Eagle. Now that we’ve raised enough to qualify for a $100,000 grant, we have a stretch goal! We have the opportunity to win bonus grants based on total dollars raised and unique donors. Every gift makes a huge impact - will you help us create even more lasting memories on the new Zilker Eagle?

ABOUT AUSTIN PARKS FOUNDATION

Founded in 1992, Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with our community to enhance people’s lives by making our public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support.

With a focus on creating equitable access to great parks for all Austinites, APF is helping fill the City's parks funding and resource gap. Funding initiatives like APF’s community-initiated grants have distributed over $3 million since 2006, and the annual flagship volunteer event, It’s My Park Day, results in an average of $650,000 in volunteer labor each year. APF also fosters unique partnerships like the Zilker Eagle mini train, empowers neighbors all over the city to create a parks system that serves their needs, and is a presenting partner and beneficiary of the popular Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park

ABOUT THE ZILKER EAGLE

The Zilker train has been one of the most beloved family activities in Austin since 1961. Unfortunately, soil erosion caused the train to close in May 2019, as significant repair costs became untenable for the vendor that operated the train for twenty years.

The Austin City Council and Parks and Recreation Department asked Austin Parks Foundation to get the train up and running as safely and quickly as possible, and we are proud to be taking the lead in restoring it to its former glory! The new train honors the 60-year tradition of having a mini train in Zilker Park, while also looking to the future of this beloved park attraction.

The new Zilker Eagle will feature an all-electric and battery-operated engine, ensuring a more energy-efficient and eco-friendly future for this environmentally sensitive area. With updates to the depot area, multiple ADA accessible coaches, and our new community hours program, the Zilker Eagle will be a welcoming attraction for everyone.