Bowness mini train damaged in 2013 flood returns to tracks

Calgary's beloved little choo chootrainis ready to ride again.

The Bowness mini train has beentakingtots and adults around Bowness Park since the early1950s, but was badly damaged bythe 2013 flood.

"It was just covered in silt, and it got into all the parts of it,and it was really in need of a full restoration," said Michelle Reidwith Calgary Parks.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said it brings back fond memories.

"I had so much fun riding the train as a kidand just as much fun again today as an adult," he said.

"The mini train is an integral part ofBownessPark's rich history, and the restoration of it celebrates that history. This park will remain a special place for allCalgarians,and the mini train is a large part of that."

The city was able to find a man in Okotoks to repair the train, but it wasn't an easy task.

"It was very hard to find all of the parts, and so he actually had to make a lot of the parts himself," said Reid.

The director of Calgary Parks says a lot of love went into the restoration.

"Remaking history piece by piece is an extensive and challenging task,"Anne Charlton said.

"The workmanship is incredible, and the pride in work the restoration team took was clearly a labour of love. The mini-train is a fitting touch to the Bowness Park makeover that's been underway since 2012."

The train runs daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sept. 5. It's open until 8 p.m. on holidays.

It costs $5 per person, $10 for a family of four and it's free for children under two years old.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener