Barton Springs Pool is expected to remain open during normal hours when repairs to its historic eastern retaining wall begin on Tuesday, September 8.

Austin Parks and Recreation says the first phase will remove vegetation and trees that are affecting the wall's stability. Engineers will then assess the structure before masonry teams reconstruct and stabilize damaged sections.

The work is planned in phases from September 2026 into early 2027, although the final repair timetable will depend on the engineering assessment and can change because of construction conditions or weather.

Will Barton Springs Pool close?

The city's current plan is for the pool to maintain normal operating hours. Repair areas will be fenced for safety and officials say the work should not affect pool operations.

Visitors should still check current pool information before travelling because normal operating issues, weather or a later construction change can affect access independently of this project.

Why 37 trees are being removed

The forestry team plans to remove 37 trees within the wall's zone of influence during September. The city lists 26 hackberries, five American elms, one ligustrum, three mulberries and two pecans.

Most have an average diameter of seven inches. One larger codominant hackberry is described as being in poor condition and contributing to the most severe area of structural failure; its required removal permit has already been approved.

Trees will not be replanted immediately beside the repaired wall because roots and added pressure could damage the masonry again. Other overgrowth and vines will also be cleared so a structural engineer can inspect the full structure.

A wall dating back to 1917

The retaining wall was built in 1917 and contributes to Zilker Park's listing as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. Five sections are now showing signs of structural failure.

Parks staff say they have documented worsening deterioration since 2015. Plant and tree growth within the backfill area has placed pressure on the masonry, while a fence above the wall has limited routine maintenance access.

A structural engineer who specializes in historic preservation is due to assess the wall in fall and winter 2026. The repair and rehabilitation stage is expected to begin in early 2027, with the final scope determined by that assessment.

The City of Austin's Barton Springs wall announcement includes the official project timeline, maps and updates.