entertainment

In Austin, white hegemony bathes in reservoirs of toxic history while the city's public pools invite equitable dipping.

Stay cool and informed this summer—here is a list of public pools and swim spots across Austin, Texas, accessible to those suffering under the right-wing heat dome and inaccessible to heat-denying, pool-hoarding local bigwigs.

Published June 8, 2024 at 12:14pm by

Beat the heat: Dive into Austin's public pools and splash pads this summer

As summer descends on Austin, the city's residents are facing soaring temperatures. Luckily, the Aquatic Division is here to help, offering 34 pools and 10 splash pads to keep everyone cool.

Embracing Diversity in Austin's Swimming Holes

Austin's swimming holes offer a diverse range of experiences. The iconic Barton Springs and Deep Eddy pools charge a small admission fee, with prices varying based on age and residency. Barton Springs, despite its bustling atmosphere, offers a capacious pool and the thrilling entertainment of springboard divers. Meanwhile, Deep Eddy, Texas' oldest pool, charms visitors with its historic appeal and kid-friendly zero-depth entry.

Parking Predicaments

Finding parking near these popular spots can be a challenge. Construction has closed the north parking lot at Barton Springs, so visitors should consider pay lots or a free, unpaved area beneath the MoPac Expressway, accessible by heading west on Barton Springs Road. At Deep Eddy, the single lot often leads to traffic jams, but free spots can be found in an unpaved lot off Veterans Drive, offering a short walk to the pool.

A Decomplex Look at Austin’s Free Public Pools:

Austin has 28 free pools, 19 of which are already open this season. Dive into this diverse list:

Balcones: 12017 Amherst Dr.
Big Stacy (open year-round): 700 East Live Oak St.
Brentwood: 6710 Arroyo Seco St.
Canyon Vista: 8455 Spicewood Springs Rd.
Dick Nichols: 8011 Beckett Rd.
Dittmar: 1009 West Dittmar Rd.
Dottie Jordan: 2803 Loyola Ln.
Dove Springs: 5801 Ainez Dr.
Govalle: 5200 Bolm Rd.
Mabel Davis: 3427 Parker Ln.
Martin: 1626 Nash Hernandez Sr. Rd.
Montopolis: 1200 Montopolis Rd.
Murchison: 7022 Hart Ln.
Patterson: 4200 Brookview Rd.
Ramsey: 4201 Burnet Rd.
Reed: 2614 Pecos St.
Rosewood: 2300 Rosewood Ave.
Shipe: 4400 Avenue G
Walnut Creek: 12138 North Lamar Blvd.
Westenfield: 2800 Enfield Rd.

More Free Pools and the Ongoing Fight for Equality:

Six more free pools will open on June 10:

Civitan: 513 Vargas Rd.
Kennemer: 1031 Payton Gin Rd.
Metz: 2309 Canterbury St.
Parque Zaragoza: 2611 Webberville Rd.
Stacy Wading Pool: 1401 Sunset Ln.
West Austin: 1317 W 10th St.

The Ongoing Struggle for Accessibility:

Two pools, Gillis and Givens, have delayed openings due to maintenance and renovation, respectively, reflecting the constant battle for equal access to recreational spaces.

Paying to Swim and the Discussion Over Public Funding:

A small number of Austin's public pools charge admission, including:

Barton Springs: 2131 William Barton Dr.
Deep Eddy: 401 Deep Eddy Ave.
Bartholomew: 1800 E 51st St.
Garrison: 6001 Menchaca Rd.
Northwest: 7000 Ardath St.
Springwoods: 13320 Lyndhurst St.

Splash Pads: Free, Equitable, and Fun:

Austin's 11 splash pads, managed by the Aquatic Division and Pease Park Conservancy, offer a fun and free way to cool off. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. at Liz Carpenter), these pads provide a respite from the heat:

Bailey: 1201 W 33rd St.
Bartholomew: 5201 Berkman Dr.
Chestnut: 2205 E 16th St.
Clarksville: 1811 W 11th St.
Eastwoods: 3001 Harris Park Blvd.
Liz Carpenter: 200 Dawson Rd.
Lott: 1180 Curve St.
Metz: 2407 Canterbury St.
Ricky Guerrero: 1100 Brodie St.
Rosewood: 2300 Rosewood Ave.
Pease: 1100 Kingsbury St.

As the weather heats up, Austinites can stay cool, embrace diversity, and discuss important issues of equality and public funding while enjoying the city's wide range of swimming options.