• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Barton Springs Bathhouse Marks 70 Years With Community Plunge

May 10, 2017 by Jaclyn Hubersberger Leave a Comment

Barton Springs Bathhouse Dedication in 1947

1947 Barton Springs Bathhouse dedication ceremony (Credit: Barton Springs Conservancy)

Located within Zilker Park’s 358 acres is Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre, underground fed spring that has been referred to as the “Heart and Soul” and “Crown Jewel” of Austin. If you’ve been there, you understand why. In 1947, Barton Springs Bathhouse opened its doors for the first time, welcoming swimmers from all walks of life who sought fun, relaxation, and healing in the water beyond its walls.

This year marks 70 years that the historic Barton Springs Bathhouse has been open. On May 13, Austinites can celebrate this anniversary during the 70th Birthday Splash: Parade and Plunge. The event is hosted by Barton Springs Conservancy, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor, preserve, and enhance the Barton Springs experience through education and facility improvements.

I’ve always wanted to do a group plunge. But if you’re like me, you would never consider donning a bathing suit in January to jump into water at an event that has the word “polar” in its name. With temperatures expected to be in the high 80’s this Saturday, the water should feel pleasantly refreshing compared to the annual New Years Day Polar Bear Splash.

Barton Springs Parade and Plunge

Barton Springs Bathhouse 70 Years

Barton Springs Bathhouse, 2017 (Credit: Barton Springs Conservancy)

At 9 a.m. on May 13, people of all ages will meet at the south gate of Barton Springs Pool for a parade through the pool’s gates and around the bathhouse, ending at the front gates to the pool deck. The march will rise to a crescendo with a community plunge into the 68-degree water.

Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes or other festive attire, and bring along props to add their own personal flair to the free and family-friendly event. After marching and plunging up an appetite, birthday cake will be served to party-goers.

Barton Springs Bathhouse isn’t the only 70th anniversary the conservancy is honoring. Lucy Baines Johnson, Honorary Chair, will also celebrate her 70th birthday this year. Johnson said in a statement about the celebration:

“For generations, our family, like countless others, has been celebrating the joy of summer, the delight of birthdays, and the thrill of just being alive at Austin’s iconic Barton Springs. This year, the Barton Springs Bathhouse turns 70, as I do. Come march in the parade to take care of the springs, so that our children and grandchildren can celebrate there for generations to come.”

Bathhouse History and Rehabilitation

Barton Springs Bathhouse in 1947

Bathhouse as seen from the pool deck in 1947 (Credit: Barton Springs Conservancy)

Barton Springs Bathhouse was designed by architect Dan Driscoll; is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and is a designated Historic Landmark by the City of Austin and State of Texas. The Barton Springs Conservancy is raising funds to preserve and rehabilitate the bathhouse for a modern audience, as called for in the 2008 Barton Springs Pool Master Plan and the updated recommendations from the Zilker Park Bathhouse Zone Feasibility Study.

In a release from the conservancy, the renovations were described in detail:

“All building alterations will aim to make the facility more modern and accessible, while respecting the historic architectural heritage of the original structure. Renovations include reopening the original men’s and women’s entrances at the central rotunda locations, restoring the women’s dressing area to be more expansive and light, modernizing and expanding bathroom facilities, and enhancing the educational components of the space. The rehabilitated Bathhouse will also be infused with enhanced environmental education and learning opportunities to complement and support the educational offerings in the Visitor Education Center.”

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

Have you ever done a plunge at Barton Springs Pool?

Filed Under: Culture, Entertainment, Events, History Tagged With: barton springs

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Things to do in Austin this weekend | The Paper + Craft Pantry and Kathy Phantastic present Lunar New Year Festival and Vendor Market

12 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 20, 2023 include Lunar New Year Festival and Vendor Market, Le Garage Sale, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of January 20 which include Lunar New Year Festival and Vendor Market, Le Garage Sale, High Five 3M Half Marathon, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right […]

Things to do in Austin this week | martin luther king day austin - MLK Jr Service Week

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of January 16, 2023 include MLK Day Food Drive, UMLAUF After Dark: Lunar New Year, and more!

Things to do in Austin this weekend with kids | KIds Night Out at Anderson Mill

Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023 include Kids Night Out, Comedy Match Live, and more!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Kids Night Out – Movie Star Party, Comedy Match Live ComedySportz Austin, Second Saturdays are […]

Austin’s New Year: Fireworks from Afar

Austin New Years Eve 2023 fireworks guide – NYE party start time, entertainment line up, parking tips & more!

Are you ready to say goodbye to 2022? What better way to ring in the New Year than with fireworks at Austin’s biggest and official New Year party! This beloved, annual Austin event draws thousands of people including locals as well as visitors from neighboring towns in the Central Texas area. If you are googling […]

Johnson City Christmas Lights Spectacular 2022 - What to expect at this lighting event in Texas

Johnson City Christmas Lights Spectacular 2022 – A beloved Texas lighting event!

Come one, come all to celebrate the Johnson City Lights Spectacular 33rd Season! Johnson City is an area close to Fredericksburg, TX. Every Christmas holiday for the last 33 years, Johnson City transforms from a slow-paced, presidential hometown nestled on the banks of the Pedernales River, into a bright beacon of light — like a […]

Recent Posts

  • 12 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 20, 2023 include Lunar New Year Festival and Vendor Market, Le Garage Sale, and More!
  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of January 16, 2023 include MLK Day Food Drive, UMLAUF After Dark: Lunar New Year, and more!
  • Romantic Restaurants Austin – Top 10 best date night restaurants near you
  • Healthy Food Austin – Your comprehensive guide to health friendly restaurants, cafes, and more!
  • MLK Austin Texas – Your Guide to Martin Luther King Weekend 2023 Activities, Events, and Celebrations!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • 12 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 20, 2023 include Lunar New Year Festival and Vendor Market, Le Garage Sale, and More!
  • 6 Meal Delivery Companies in Austin to Simplify Your Life
  • The 7 Best Places for Hands-on Crafting in Austin
  • Old Thousand Introduces Bold Chinese Fusion to Austin’s East Side
  • Customize Your Own Beauty Products With These 6 Austin Companies

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

wpDiscuz