Two-minute impact
On Aug. 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department announced it was dropping entry fees at all city aquatic facilities—with the exception of Barton Springs—through the end of September.
"In consideration of the ongoing excessive heat, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department will not charge admission fees to swimming pools from August 9 through September 30," the department said in a statement.
Standard entry at Barton Springs remains $5 for Austin residents and $9 for nonresidents, and children and seniors can enter for lower rates. Tickets are available for purchase on-site or virtually via the ATXswims mobile app.
The pool fee waiver comes soon after the city announced that six pools that typically only operate on a seasonal basis will remain open through late September in response to the persistent heat.
The city's many pools and splash pads are all open this summer for the first time since 2019. A listing and map of Austin aquatic facilities may be viewed here.
