Early in 2006, a few regular Barton Springs Pool swimmers were frustrated by the declining water quality and condition of the pool and decided to do something about it. They formed Friends of Barton Springs Pool, a group dedicated to returning the pool to its rightful glory by working to restore, improve and maintain the pool and surrounding grounds through organizing, advocacy, volunteer work, education and fun.
Friends of Barton Springs Pool (FBSP) works to inspire an appreciation of the rich history of Barton Springs Pool and pride in this natural treasure. To honor the pool’s sensitive environment and work to preserve and protect it so that generations long after ours can continue to enjoy the cool, clean spring waters, FBSP organizes monthly volunteer pool cleaning events that bring scores of swimmers and friends of Barton Springs to work beside the staff to support and enhance City Staff efforts to clean and maintain Barton Springs Pool. These cleaning events include the annual “Council Cleans the Pool Day” where elected city and state officials join volunteers and city staff to clean algae and silt from Barton Springs Pool.
In addition, FBSP has worked with City Council and Aquatics staff to develop and fund a Barton Springs Master Plan. This work has included raising funds for the Barton Springs Tree Fund and other projects benefiting Barton Springs Pool, advocating for the removal of the gravel bar from the deep end of the Pool, assisting with the removal of algae and underwater plant trimmings from the pool, advocating for the soon-to-be-completed Grounds Improvement Project, securing a state grant for $300,000 for a new inlet grate for the bypass tunnel repair project, and lobbying for the 2012 Bond Package to include $30M for open space and watershed protection funds as well as $2M for Bathhouse Renovation funds.
How You Can Help With The Barton Springs Spring Cleaning!
At this year’s Spring Cleaning (February 22, 2014), volunteers have an opportunity to give back to Barton Springs Pool by helping “spiff up” the pool before the pool reopens for the Spring season. Everyone’s help is needed to put the sparkle in the Springs! Volunteers help with pool cleaning activities, including scrubbing algae from the pool bottom, brushing and vacuuming the pool bottom, cleaning stair rails and sidewalls, trimming weeds and plants near diving board area, painting bathroom facilities, planting around the pool grounds, paint benches and trim, repairing pool and grounds equipment, and generally lend a hand to make the pool and grounds as clean and beautiful as possible. There are lots of projects both in and out of the water, so please dress appropriately. This means long sleeves, pants and shirt, closed toed shoes and socks for grounds work. Wet clothes for working in the pool. Don’t forget your towel and sun protection!
Gloves, tools, snacks and beverages will be provided, and camaraderie will be created!
Volunteers can choose from 4 two hour shifts beginning at 10 am and continuing until 6 pm. You are welcome to stay as long as you’d like, please just let us know what time to expect you so we can organize tasks and snacks accordingly. Please make sure that everyone who is joining you has registered on the event site so we are sure to have a t-shirt for them.
To sign up for the Spring Cleaning, please register through the Friends of Barton Springs Pool website, or go directly to our VolunteerSpot registration page by clicking here. You can also obtain more information about volunteer pool cleaning with Friends of Barton Springs Pool by contacting Michael Cannatti, President, at president@friendsofbartonspringspool.org, by visiting www.friendsofbartonspringspool.org or by joining Friends of Barton Springs Pool’s social media community: Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.
How to Donate to Support Friends of Barton Springs Pool
By donating just $25, you can help fund projects at the Pool, tools for volunteers, and tree planting initiatives to ensure that Barton Springs Pool will be preserved for generations to come.
You can donate online HERE, where you choose the box for “Barton Springs Pool, Friends of” and then fill out the donation information. You can also make a check out to Austin Parks Foundation with “Friends of Barton Springs Pool” in the subject line by mailing the check to Austin Parks Foundation, 507 Calles Street, Suite 116, Austin, Texas 78702.
