With summer on the run, it’s now time to repress the memory of four months in the near-triple digits. That can be a challenge in the blazing sun of Zilker Park, where it sometimes feels like no hat brim is quite wide enough to protect you. All of a sudden, the memories of sweating through your shirt come flooding back and a panic attack creeps up. Luckily, Austin has the perfect solution to just such an affliction. It’s called Barton Springs, and its icy waters will have your sweat glands begging for mercy. After a few minutes of that, the nightmarish memories of August heat will return to the recesses of your mind, allowing you to focus on the rock ahead.
Barton Springs Pool, 2101 Barton Springs Rd.
Hours: 5am-10pm; closed for cleaning on Thursdays, 9am-7pm
Admission: $3, adults; $2, juniors ages 12-17; $1, kids 11 and younger and seniors older than 61
Free admission for everyone, 5-9am & 9-10pm
Call the Barton Springs hotline at 867-3080 for information on pool closings due to rain. No food, drinks, or smoking allowed.
This article appears in October 8 • 2010.
