B2: Presentation — original pdf

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A NEW & IMPROVED Zilker Train 101 Intro About APF 02 The Project How we got here 03 Our Approach Where we’re going 04 Operations & Financials Looking to the future 2About Us Austin Parks Foundation partners 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. Because of our partnership with the City's Parks & Recreation Dept., and nearly 30 years of proven results, we were contacted to help find an interim solution while Zilker Park undergoes a vision planning process to build a new, long-term vision for the park. 3Project Leads Ladye Anne Wofford Project management and operations Bobbi Kommenini Business management and operations Katie Robillard, PLA Landscape architecture and project design UT McCombs Business Fellows Business technology The entire Austin Parks Foundation team is committed to the success of this project and is leading project management, operations, fundraising and marketing for the new Zilker Train. Our team brings expertise in park improvements and programming, and nearly 30 years of proven results partnering with the Parks & Recreation Dept. 4Project Expertise We are bringing together a team of subject matter experts and well-established vendors for a well-rounded project team including: ● The Railway Factory: Custom amusement train manufacturing ● Dunaway Associates: Civil and structural engineering ● Frank & Victor: Brand development ● Steven Smith, McKinsey & Co: Business management and operations ● Stan Li, McKinsey & Co: Customer experience ● Giant Noise: Public Relations 5THE Project 6Then The Zilker Train is one of the most beloved family activities in Austin. Since 1961, the train has taken children on an adventure around Zilker Park, past scenic views of Lady Bird Lake, the great lawn and the Zilker Playscape. In 2019, erosion under the tracks caused the Zilker Train to close down permanently. In February 2020, Austin City Council passed a resolution allowing Austin Parks Foundation to work in partnership with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department to bring back the Zilker Train as quickly and safely as possible. Now 7Project Timeline Analysis Engineering firm site analysis Topographical survey Structural assessments Operations research Manufacturing research Concession agreement Permitting New route in permitting Brand development Formation of LLC Standard Operating Procedures Fundraising campaign begins Concession agreement finalized Fall 2020 Spring 2021 Launch Fundraising campaign Site improvements complete Hiring and Training Test Runs Grand opening Q3 of 2021 Summer 2020 Winter 2020 Summer 2021 Design Alternate train route development Naming contest Concession agreement Construction Fundraising campaign Secure permits Custom train build complete Formation of 501(c)(3) Rail installation Site improvements 8OUR Approach 9Key Focus Areas Preserving Traditions Improving the Experience Safe & Prompt Action Community Funding To keep the sixty year tradition going, Austin Parks Foundation is working to bring back the beloved tradition to Zilker Park. APF is focusing on making the train a more fun, efficient, and inclusive experience for everyone. We are working with Dunaway to reroute the tracks. This was the most straightforward path to getting the train running as safely and quickly as possible. Austin Parks Foundation is working to raise the capital for all improvements through a Spring 2021 fundraising campaign. 10Preserving Traditions Austin Parks Foundation will keep the tradition of one of the most beloved family activities in Austin alive, bringing the mini-train experience back to Zilker Park to create lasting memories for Austinites and visitors alike ● Custom-built train by The Railway Factory to fit site specifications Replacing all removed railway with new rails and ties Improving the existing depot ● ● ● Maintaining and improving existing depot and tunnels ● ● Caring for the existing trees and landscaping Addressing drainage issues at the depot 11Improving the Experience We will work to improve the train and its operations in a variety of ways to create a more fun, efficient, and inclusive experience for all. The new train will become the dynamic new centerpiece of Zilker Park. ● ● ● ● ● Improved ADA-accessibility for the train and depot Improved ticketing system including more payment options, single ride tickets and annual passes Advance reservations including individuals, groups, birthday parties and school trips Special events Special discounts 12The Amended Route APFs priority is getting the train in operation as quickly and safely as possible. Our engineers have conducted an initial safety assessment for the route, bridge and tunnels, and have designed a reroute for the train that will avoid the washout area (currently in permitting review). 13Engaging Community Funding Partners Austin Parks Foundation is working closely with a variety of corporate and community partners to raise the funds necessary to make the project a success. We are taking on the responsibility of raising 100% of the funds in an effort to take this financial burden off the city. More information is available at austinparks.org/train 14Benefitting Zilker Park Bringing the train back to Zilker Park will be a success within itself. Our goal is for the new Zilker Train to begin generating enough revenue to financially benefit the park within two years. Austin Parks Foundation is committed to reinvesting a portion of proceeds from train ticket sales back into Zilker Park and to PARD partner organizations working within Zilker Park. 15TRAIN Operations 16Long-term vision While the current project is an interim solution, we are thinking ahead. Should the Zilker Vision Planning process conclude that the train may be used as a people-moving solution, or the route may be expanded, we are ready to support whichever scenarios the community puts forward. 17Marketing Austin Parks Foundation’s Marketing & Events team will bring the brand and experience to life through a phased approach; ● Phase 1 | January - March Education and awareness ● Phase 2 | March - July Name and brand launch ● Phase 3 | July - August Opening Day awareness and event ● Phase 4 | August - Beyond Ridership campaigns 18ESTIMATED CAPITAL BUDGET - $800K ITEM COST Locomotive Passenger Coaches Rail + Ties Rail installation Depot improvements Note: Operational costs not included $85,000 $115,000 $150,000 $215,000 $235,000 19Thank You! 20