Barton Springs

Barton Springs

Imagine walking along a gravel path. It is a hot fall day. The sun is out, and there is hardly a cloud in the sky. You see a beautiful swimming pool. People lay out on a grassy hill, soaking in the sun. Others stand in line at the diving board, waiting for their turn to show off their talents in the air. The sound of the splashing water is rhythmic and peaceful.

This is Barton Springs; Austin’s oasis.

Barton Springs is a public swimming hole in Zilker Park located off Barton Springs road near downtown Austin. Admission is free in the winter, but cost $2 for adults and $1 for children during the summer months of June, July and August. However, the money for admission goes directly to conservation and maintenance of Barton Springs as well as the conservation of the famous Barton Springs Salamander.

Barton Springs Salamander

Barton Springs is a popular hangout for families, friends, swimmers and hippies alike. A variety of people come to enjoy Barton Springs. And to some, one of the many joys of visiting Barton Springs is observing the people.

Speedo Man (David Hassehoff?)

Although strange, he is right. There is a variety of people sprawled on the grassy hill on the banks of the pool. A group of adults wade through the water talking. Three boys are throwing algae at each other, until a lifeguard reprimands them. Barton Springs is just a very peaceful place, and it provides a perfect escape from the city and all the responsibility and stress that comes with living in the city.

Barton Springs provides an escape for Austinites

Barton Springs is filled by a spring that provides water from the Edwards Aquifer. As a result, the water is a chilly 68 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Nevertheless, it doesn’t keep people out of the water, and as temperatures continue to reach the 100s, no one is complaining. In fact, The Statesman reports that Barton Springs has broken its previous record of attendance set in 2009 in the months of June, July and August. 2011 has crushed this attendance record with the help of the heat and drought, and in just two months 2011 nearly matched 2009’s previous attendance record which was set in three months. However, the hot and dry conditions which make Barton Springs a refreshing oasis are also harming the overall health of the spring. According to msnbc.com, the drought has caused Barton Springs to reduce its flow rate to almost 25% of what is normally expected. The drought has also endangered the Barton Springs Salamander, native only to Barton Springs. The Barton Springs Salamander is about 2.5 inches long, and is brownish grayish. Dry conditions and dirty water have threatened the Barton Springs Salamander and its habitat almost to the point of extinction. As a result, it has been placed on the endangered species list, and many environmentalist organizations from Austin, Texas like the S.O.S. or Save Our Springs Alliance have been committed to saving the Barton Springs Salamander. Also many aquatic plants dying; however, the algae thrives in hot conditions and as a result, has taken over the pool.

Barton Springs Pool Clean Up

Despite the ever worsening conditions of the drought, I am not too worried about the future of Barton Springs because I know that in the end, Barton Springs lovers will band together and work together to save Barton Springs. There is too much at stake not to.

BELLY FLOP!!!!!!