Austin City Council members propose Zilker Park train be run by nonprofit

AUSTIN, Texas - Some Austin City Council members are now proposing the Zilker Park train be run by a nonprofit.

The Zilker Zephyr hasn't been running since last May when storms washed out the tracks next to Lady Bird Lake. In January, Austin officials said the operator had a year left on a contract and was contractually responsible for repairing the tracks and eroded land underneath.

Contract extension negotiations collapsed and the Zilker Zephyr operators said they were taking the train with them.

The Austin Parks & Recreation Department says they're searching for a new vendor while the city is suing the previous operator.

Now a city council proposal directs the city manager to try and reach an agreement with the Austin Parks Foundation, which would be put in charge of finding a new vendor and overseeing operations.

Proceeds would be distributed to nonprofit groups operating within and around Zilker Park.