Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool Rehabilitation Project Update

August 2025

 

Construction is expected to be substantially completed this fall. As with any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible – dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and weather conditions.

Reminders:

• During construction, Barton Springs Pool remains open. The north entrance to Barton Springs Pool has been 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 Cafe, or with cash directly at the Zilker Cafe.
• Entry for Early Swin (swim at your own risk) is available at the south entrance on Azie Morton Drive, from 5 to 8 a.m., and at the north entrance from 7:30 to 8 a.m.

 

 

Completed Tasks:

• Interior security system installed.
• Restroom stall partition installation.
• Dressing room lockers installed.
• Trail work completed.

Work In Progress:

• Interior painting.
• Commissioning of HVAC system.
• Masonry wall patching.

Planned Work:

• Security system installation at the East and West entrance gates.
• Exhibit displays and transaction desk installation.

Completed installation of dividers in the men's restroom. 

 

Locker installation in the men's shower area is complete.

 

Completed installation of dividers in the women's east restroom.

 

Locker installation in the women's east shower area.

 

Parking:

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 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.

 

 

Taking the Zilker Loop:

Sick of circling Zilker in your car on busy weekends and holidays? Take the free Zilker Loop! Austin Parks and Recreation launched the free Zilker Loop — a seasonal shuttle service that makes it easier to reach popular spots in Zilker Park.

The Zilker Loop runs Saturdays, Sundays and holidays every 15 to 20 minutes from 12 to 6 p.m., through September 1. The first two hours of parking fees in the Stratford Lot can be waived using a code in the parking app. Weekend and holiday parking at Zilker Park cost $3 per hour.

Visit AustinTexas.gov/Zilker for more information.

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.

 

Questions or concerns should be directed to:

 

Paul Mendoza, AIA, Project Manager

Capital Delivery Services

Paul.Mendoza@austintexas.gov

512-974-1272

 

Ali Petersen, RID, Project Manager

Capital Delivery Services

Alison.Petersen@austintexas.gov

512-974-7830

 

Ellen Colfax, RA, Project Manager

Parks and Recreation Department

Ellen.Colfax@austintexas.gov

512-974-9472