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Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Metropolitan Park, the
crown jewel of Austin parks. Barton Springs is the 4th largest
natural springs in the state of Texas. The pool covers 3-acres
and is fed from under ground springs that maintain the pool’s
average temperature at 68 F degrees year-round. The main spring
pumps an average of 27 million gallons of water a day.
Native Americans called these the Sacred Springs and came here
to heal their wounds. The springs passed through many American
hands, including those of William “Uncle Billy” Barton
and Colonel A.J. Zilker. Barton Springs Pool had been a popular
swimming hole for decades when it became part of Zilker in 1917.
In 1929 the irregular-shaped pool was enlarged to 1,000 feet long.
The only known surface habitats of the Barton Springs Salamander
are located in Barton Springs Pool, Eliza Springs, Old Mill Springs
and Upper Barton Springs. The City of Austin and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service are working to support operation of the pool
while protecting this endangered species. |
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