Austin Parks Foundation Names New Zilker Train The Eagle

AUSTIN, TX – Austin has named the new Zilker train the Zilker Eagle, after receiving more than 750 submissions of name suggestions and 7,000 votes from Austinites, the Austin Parks Foundation announced.

The new name harkens back to its origins, as the first train to run the tracks at Zilker Park was the Eagle, which ran from 1961 to 1996.

The new logo for the train features a mid-century eagle with a colorful tie-dye design, paying homage to the adage "Keep Austin Weird."

For the first time, the Zilker train will be an all-electric mini-train designed to look like a steamlined passenger train, similar to the Texas Eagle of the Missouri Pacific Railroad that traveled through Austin in the 1940s and 50s.

“Austin is known as a place where people can freely be themselves, a place where individuality is celebrated and where everyone is welcome, so we are honored to bring back one of our town’s favorite attractions in a way that represents that. And there’s no better way to pay homage to old and new Austin and our rich cultural tapestry than to dip the Zilker Eagle into some tie-dye,” said Colin Wallis, Austin Parks Foundation CEO, in a prepared statement.

Proceeds from the train will benefit Zilker Park.

For additional updates and announcements on the Zilker Eagle, visit www.zilkertrain.org and follow on social media @zilkereagle.