Barton Springs Pool is facing backlash after announcing an hour-earlier closing time, effectively ending its popular free night swim program. The change has angered many residents, especially working families who relied on the last hour for affordable access.
A sign on the gates of Barton Springs Pool on Monday notified visitors that it will be closing an hour earlier starting Sunday. Jennifer Hill and her son have been going to Barton Springs Pool for a night swim at least four times a week for the past decade — even in winter. Swimming is free at the pool from 9-10 p.m., and that last hour of the day tends to be calmer. That's part of the appeal, said Hill, whose son is sensitive to bright lights and noise.
It’s less crowded, there's more parking and it's generally more peaceful, she said. “It is a healing experience,' she said,'and it has become a ritual bond that my son and I have shared since he was a child.” But starting Sunday, they'll no longer be able to go then. A paper sign posted outside the gates says the pool will be closing an hour earlier. The city did not immediately respond to questions about the closure. Hill and other residents said they're disappointed to lose a tradition like the full moon night swim, and that it will create barriers for working families. The free night swim was the only way we could consistently experience the springs and feel part of something good and purely Austin,” said Nettie Reynolds, who took her two kids to swim at night because it was free. “To reduce that access now would be to quietly declare the springs are only for those who can afford them … Barton Springs isn’t a resort. It’s a public treasure. And public means everyone.” Council Member Ryan Alter, whose district touches parts of Zilker Park, said he shares the community’s concerns and is working with city leaders to find a solution.While that last hour is'swim at your own risk,' there are still 10 staff members monitoring the pool and its facilities. The cost to keep them on adds up. Alter said he is confident the city can find a way to open the last hour of swim back up this summer. “At the end of the day, we want our departments to try to save money where they can,” Alter said. “But also recognize that ... the cost to the community is much more significant, it just doesn’t make sense.” He said he hopes the city will find an answer before the new hours kick in Sunday. If there isn’t one, he said he will work to ensure the change is temporary. Swimmers can go to the pool for free from 5-8 a.m. every day, and until 9 a.m. on Thursdays. The pool closes 9 a.m. Thursday for a weekly cleaning.The two-week long closure allows staff to deep clean the pool to keep the water healthy for wildlife and swimmers. It’s also a time for staff to catch up projects like repainting signs on the deck.Austin's crown jewel has bought people together from all walks of life to enjoy a day in the sun. But before 1962, that wasn't the case. Barton Springs Pool is a constant 70 degrees, more than cool enough to help you chill out no matter how hot it is outside. But that’s also chilly enough to make it kind of uncomfortable to get into at first.The city held a celebration of life for Flo, an iconic tree on Barton Springs, on Wednesday ahead of her removal. Flo has a fatal fungal disease that will cause her to collapse and the city has decided to remove it Thursday to ensure public safety
City Government Recreation Barton Springs Pool City Of Austin Night Swim Closing Hours Community Outcry Public Access Budget Cuts
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