<p>LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A northern Indiana zoo is sending its long-time train in for a paint job and restoration.</p>
<p>The Columbian Park Zoo Express’ train engine and three cars are expected to be back in place at the Lafayette zoo this summer following the $30,000 project to repaint them and restore worn parts.</p>
<p>The train has been a fixture since 1968 at the zoo, where it’s carted children, parents and other riders around for more than a half-century. It’s being spruced up thanks to a partnership between DeFouw Automotive, the Lafayette Parks Foundation, J&T Recovery and the city of Lafayette.</p>
<p>Zoo officials said the train’s repainting is expected to be completed this spring but it will be out of commission until June, the <a href="https://www.jconline.com/story/news/2021/02/26/columbian-park-zoo-train-engine-and-cars-defouw-automotive/6832217002/">Journal & Courier</a> reported. The project is being funded through the Lafayette Parks Foundation.</p>
<p>Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman said the train will be painted with a color palette that’s as close as possible to the original train’s colors.</p>
<p>“This train has been part of virtually every family’s visit to Columbian Park, so I think it’s a wonderful thing to know that this summer we’ll be able to provide that opportunity again for families in Greater Lafayette,” Laufman said. </p>
