Join the City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department, Capital Delivery Services Department, and the Barton Springs Conservancy for the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Groundbreaking Celebration at 2131 William Barton Dr. on Thursday, February 22 at 10 a.m. There is NO parking near the bathhouse. Guests are asked to park at the Rock Garden picnic area parking lot (near the moontower) as project mobilization will be underway. This is an outdoor park event so dress comfortably.

The 1947 Barton Springs Bathhouse was constructed in the Art Moderne Style and is a State Antiquities Landmark and listed to the National Register of Historic Places. The Barton Springs Bathhouse includes the bathhouse itself, lifeguard offices and the educational exhibit which interprets the endangered salamanders that live in Barton Springs.

Major elements of the rehabilitation work will include replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and drainage systems; structural improvements to meet code requirements; improved pool entry and exit areas, public spaces, landscaping, and parking; construction of a fire truck access lane for safety as well as overall improvements to life safety and accessibility in compliance with Texas Accessibility Standards.

The restoration of the historical rotunda as the main entry and a redesigned educational exhibit within the Beverly Sheffield Education Center will foster stewardship of Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer, educating visitors about the importance of protecting water and preserving the salamander habitat.

Operational Impacts

The Barton Springs Bathhouse will be closed for construction starting on February 15, 2024 with substantial completion anticipated in spring 2025. As with any construction project, schedules may change as the work progresses. Temporary restroom and shower facilities will be provided next to the bathhouse while it is under construction. 

Barton Springs Pool will follow its regular operating hours and remain open to swimmers during the bathhouse rehabilitation. A temporary pool entrance will be provided on the north side near the bathhouse. The south pool entry at Azie Morton Road will remain unchanged.

During construction, one-way traffic on William Barton Drive near the bathhouse will be limited to emergency vehicles, construction deliveries, and vehicles needing accessible parking. Public parking will not be available except for accessible parking per Americans with Disabilities Act and Texas Accessibility Standards.

Acknowledgements

Funding for this rehabilitation project is provided through the Historic Preservation Fund, 2012 Bond Program, Zilker Parking Fees, One-time City Council Funding, and major contributions from the Barton Springs Conservancy. Additional contributions are provided by the City’s Watershed Protection Department and Austin Water Department.

Public parks, museums, and cultural centers are among the top tourist attractions in the City and Austin Parks and Recreation works in partnership with the Heritage Tourism Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, which manages with the Historic Preservation Fund. Additional thanks to Art in Public Places for a floor art piece that will be installed within the rotunda entryway to the pool.

Learn more about the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Project.