For a hot second, Barton Springs was set to close an hour earlier. It won't.
The City of Austin will not reduce hours at Barton Springs Pool despite a sign posted this weekend teasing the earlier closure.
City Manager T.C Broadnax had directed all departments to identify 1.5% in cost-saving measures. The Parks and Recreation Department proposed closing the pool an hour earlier starting Sunday.
But Jessica King, chief communications officer with the city, said Broadnax had not approved the change or decided if it would save enough money to justify the earlier closure.
"Since the summer season is upon us and we prefer to provide residents with advanced notice on such changes, the City will not be implementing changes to pool hours at this time," King said. "However, as we prepare for next year’s budget, we must also prepare for tougher conversations across all department services."
Swimming is free at the pool from 9-10 p.m., and that last hour tends to be calmer, said Jennifer Hill, whose son is sensitive to bright lights and noise. The pair has been going for a night swim at least four times a week for the past decade — even in winter.
It’s less crowded, there's more parking and it's generally more peaceful, Hill said.
https://www.kut.org/austin/2025-05-27/barton-springs-pool-austin-tx-free-night-swim-closure