Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool - Rehabilitation Project Update

July 2024

 

Please see the information below for the latest updates on progress, photos, and announcements. Construction is expected to be substantially completed in the Summer of 2025.

 

Announcements

• The bathhouse closed for construction on June 6, 2024. As of June 21, 2024, the north entrance to Barton Springs Pool is relocated to the west end of the bathhouse, near the temporary restroom and shower trailers.
• The south side entrance to Barton Springs Pool and parking lot at Azie Morton Drive will remain unchanged throughout the construction phase.
• Pool tickets may be purchased online, on-site with credit cards from ticket kiosks located near the Zilker Café, or with cash directly at the Zilker Café. 
• Please note: Entry for Early Swim (swim at your own risk) is available at the south entrance on Azie Morton Drive, from 5:00 am - 8:00 am, and at the north entrance from 7:30 am - 8:00 am.

 

 

             Current project phase: Construction

Completed Tasks

• Sidewalks to the new west side pool entrance are complete
• Temporary restroom and shower trailers located on the west side of the Bathhouse are complete and available to the public
• The temporary lifeguard trailer, providing a lifeguard breakroom and a first aid station located on the west side of the Bathhouse, is complete, and the first aid station is available to the public
• Removal and salvage of brick pavers and benches for reinstallation within the Men’s shower and dressing area

Work In Progress

• Demolition Areas:
  • Men’s and Women’s Shower & Dressing
  • Rotunda
  • Beverly Sheffield Education Center - Splash! Exhibit Area
• Asbestos abatement and lead-based paint remediation
• Salvage of structural glazed tile units to make repairs at interior sides of masonry walls

Planned Work

• Installation of new water and wastewater lines within the building
• Installation of new electrical lines within the building
• Installation of new fiber line
• Installation of concrete foundation

Figure 1 - New West Side Pool Entrance near shower and restroom trailers

 

Figure 2 - New sidewalk at West Side Pool Entrance near showers and restrooms

 

Figure 3 - Rotunda Demolition 

Figure 4 - Splash! Exhibit Demolition

 

Please continue to check back for project updates and photos of the progress. For more information on the overall project, including frequently asked questions, please visit the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool Rehabilitation project page here.

 

Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, and all dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather.

 

 

Reminder:

During the Bathhouse Rehabilitation project, Barton Springs Pool will maintain its regular schedule and remain open to swimmers. However, William Barton Drive, leading to the parking lot adjacent to the Bathhouse, will be closed to general public parking and drop-offs during construction. Parking in the other lots at Zilker Park will remain open, with wayfinding signage guiding pedestrians to the north side pool entrance. Pedestrian access routes through the construction site will be adjusted as work progresses. Public ADA-accessible parking and emergency vehicle access will be available throughout the construction period. The south side pool entry gate and parking lot at Azie Morton will remain unchanged throughout this time.

 

Please note that parking fees at Zilker Park have started on holidays and weekends.

 

 

Avoid the traffic and ride the Zilker Shuttle!

The Zilker Shuttle runs from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, in addition to Memorial Day and Labor Day. Please note, the shuttle hours for the Fourth of July holiday are from 12:00 to 5 p.m. This is the third summer the Department has offered a free off-site parking option and shuttle to Zilker Park. The program's new route utilizes two CapMetro bus stops on Barton Springs Road and adds a pick-up from the Stratford gravel parking lot. For more information please visit www.austintexas.gov/zilker.

 

Bathhouse Renamed

 

On April 4, 2024, an Austin City Council resolution renamed the Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool in honor of Joan Means Khabele for her contributions and activism which led to the integration of the pool. 

 

To learn more about Joan Means Khabele, please visit the Parks and Recreation Department’s blogpost here. 

 

For more information on the renaming of the bathhouse, please visit the Barton Springs Bathhouse Renaming Proposal webpage here.

 

Stay informed on the rehabilitation project on the project webpage here.

 

Questions or concerns should be directed to:

 

Paul Mendoza, AIA, Project Manager

Capital Delivery Services

Paul.Mendoza@austintexas.gov

512-974-1272

 

Ellen Colfax, RA, Project Manager

Parks and Recreation Department

Ellen.Colfax@austintexas.gov

512-974-9472