Barton Springs Conservancy

07/02/2026

Today, we extend "Happy Birthday" wishes to Luci Baines Johnson! Just over 9 years ago, Luci helped Barton Springs Conservancy celebrate the 70th birthday of the historic 1947 bathhouse. with the "70th Birthday Splash: Parade & Plunge in Barton Springs" party. Today also marks the anniversary of President LBJ's signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a day near and dear to Luci's heart.

PHOTOS: Barton Springs Pool 70th birthday celebration on May 13

06/12/2026

Special thanks to Ralph Webster, one of the founding board members with Barton Springs Conservancy. Over the past 14 years, Ralph has been fully engaged as a contributing board member, and more recently, has helped us recruit local businesses to volunteer with the pool cleanings. In recognition of his service over these many years, we presented some thank you gifts at our last cleaning , including one of our “For the Love of the Springs“ towels and a framed Peggy Weiss photograph of a swimmer at Barton Springs. We will truly miss having Ralph around, and hope that we will be able to see him on his return visits Austin and Barton Springs in the future.

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

According to the latest report, construction work on the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse is expected to be completed in the summer, 2026. Unfortunately, the exhibit space at the main rotunda entrance continues to experience construction delays, but everything else is looking fine and working in good order. More deets at

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there 😍

04/11/2026

There’s something special about Barton Springs—and it takes a community to keep it that way.

This week, we had an incredible crew of volunteers roll up their sleeves for our monthly pool cleaning, including a team from eBay who came out to support the effort. From push-brooming algae and scrubbing rails to skimming the water and caring for the grounds, this is the work that keeps the Springs clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone.

These cleanings happen the first Thursday of each month (April–October) and are more than just maintenance—they’re a chance to connect with the Springs on a deeper level. When you’re in the water doing the work, you start to understand how it flows, where the natural springs are, and what it takes to preserve this iconic place.

Barton Springs isn’t just a pool—it’s a living ecosystem, a historic landmark, and a gathering place for Austin. Protecting it is a shared responsibility.

Huge thank you to everyone who showed up, especially our friends at eBay, for being part of that mission. 🙌

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is your sign. Come lend a hand, learn something new, and help keep Barton Springs thriving for generations to come.

04/09/2026

Wanna jump in the Springs tomorrow while the pool is closed?

Join Friends of Barton Springs Pool for a volunteer pool cleaning this Thursday at 9AM. We’ll be push-brooming the shallow end, scrubbing the rails, weeding, and getting the pool back to its best.

💧 Good news: the skimmer is officially repaired and ready to go—so we’re fully equipped for a strong clean-up.

The only catch? You get to help restore Barton Springs Pool to its rightful glory and enjoy the cool, clear water while it’s closed to the public.

Come out, lend a hand, and be part of what keeps this place special.

02/27/2026

According to the latest Joan Means Khablele Bathhouse Project Update, the project completion is now expected to be completed in May 2026 due to construction delays with the exhibit and main entry area. What we see so far looks great, and we're excited for the exhibit space to be completed and installed. More deets at https://publicinput.com/Email/e017163.

02/25/2026

This is some awesome footage of the bypass tunnel being installed!

12/02/2025

We work to honor, preserve, and enhance the experience of Barton Springs for everyone through education and park improvements. Guided by the Council-adopted Barton Springs Pool Master Plan, Barton Springs Conservancy supports a range of ongoing efforts and possible future projects that aim to protect and improve the Springs.

Throughout December, we will be sharing a few of these potential projects that we’re looking forward to bringing to life.

Zilker Loop Trail

This project would complete the Zilker Loop Trail by adding trail connections and an upstream bike/pedestrian bridge crossing over Barton Creek to link the Violet Crown Trail to the Butler Trail, creating a continuous loop around the pool. With the addition of a bike/ped bridge and accessible trail improvements to form a trail loop around Barton Springs Pool, the Zilker Loop Trail project would allow visitors to safely cross Barton Creek and accessibly connect the Violet Crown Trail, the Butler Trail, and Lady Bird Lake.

The location of the proposed bike and pedestrian bridge over Barton Springs also has historical significance because it would be partially supported by the remaining stone abutment. The Old Stone Bridge, a notable arch bridge that once connected Azie Morton Road and Bee Caves Road over Barton Creek. Constructed around 1894, the bridge was destroyed only a few years later during the 1900 flood.

Historic photos: Austin History Center/Austin Public Library C00074-A, Austin History Center/Austin Public Library PICA 03927