Austin's Barton Springs Pool could soon be more expensive to visit

AUSTIN (KXAN) — One of Austin's most popular summertime cooldown spots could be getting a bit more expensive, amid proposed entry fee increases at some city pools.

The City of Austin's 2024-25 draft budget outlines the potential price hikes under the Austin Parks and Recreation Department's general fund revenue changes. While most of the city's pools are free to use, Bartholomew, Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, Springwoods, Northwest and Garrison pools do have seasonal entry fees.

For city residents, those charged entry fees could soon jump from $5 for adults to a proposed $8 fee.

In a statement, a City of Austin spokesperson said the proposed fee changes come from a city-led cost of service analysis. Based on how much Austin's Parks and Recreation Department spends on maintaining city pools, the true cost of service would amount to closer to $16 per person.

"The cost recovery goal for this type of service is between 45%-65% and the proposed fee increases reflect this goal," the city spokesperson said in an email.

Here's how the proposed cost increases break down by age range:

• Non-resident adults, ages 18 to 61: Proposed increase from $9 to $12
• Resident adults, ages 18 to 61: Proposed increase from $5 to $8
• Non-resident children, ages 3 to 17: $7 fee
• Resident children, ages 3 to 17: $5 fee
• Children ages 2 and under: Free entry
• Non-resident seniors, ages 62 to 79: Proposed increase from $5 to $7
• Resident seniors, ages 62 to 79: Proposed increase from $2 to $5
• Veterans and active duty military: Free entry

Similar cost increase proposals are being weighed for seasonal passes, as well. Those are outlined below:

• Non-resident adults, ages 18 to 61: Proposed increase from $270-$320 a season to $350
• Resident adults, ages 18 to 61: Proposed increase from $180-$255 a season to $270
• Non-resident children, ages 3 to 17: $105 fee
• Resident children, ages 3 to 17: $75 fee
• Non-resident seniors, ages 62 to 79: Proposed increase from $90-$190 a season to $210
• Resident seniors, ages 62 to 79: Proposed increase from $60 to $130 a season to $150
• Doctors, nurses and EMT personnel: Proposed fee change from $60-$125 to $105
• Non-resident family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children): Proposed increase from $495-$580 to $775
• Resident family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children): Proposed increase from $350-$515 to $590

The city spokesperson added PARD is wrapping a pilot program spurred by Austin City Council; through the pilot, PARD might eliminate fees at some pools for future seasons. The spokesperson added the city "will know about which pools could be impacted after the conclusion of the pilot program and before the swim season in 2025."

Under the proposed budget as presented, the FY25 overall revenue is expected to increase by approximately $200,000, the city said. That estimated increase includes revenue from entry fees at paid pools, which will be offset "by an anticipated reduction in the number of paid pools."

Austin City Council is expected to finalize its budget sometime between Aug. 14 to Aug. 16, under current timelines. More details on the latest amendments and proposed changes to the budget are available online.