![\"sunkengardens212\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sunkengardens212.jpg\")
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Background<\/p>\n
Sunken Gardens is the site of one of the four principal springs of Barton Springs and is situated on the south side of the pool.\u00a0The structure was built in 1937-1939 atop the foundation of an earlier structure, known as the Old Mill, by the National Youth Administration with oversight by architect Delmar Groos. The structure features a series of 12\u201d thick, unreinforced stone masonry walls, ranging in height from 6-12\u2019 tall, which form concentric circles from a primary spring-fed pool. Critical habitat for the endangered Barton Spring and Austin blind salamanders is located at Sunken Gardens. The salamander habitat in the spring pool and stream channel has been compromised by modifications around these natural bodies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The spring discharges into Barton Creek approximately 500 feet downstream of Barton Springs Pool through an outlet channel connecting the spring to Barton Creek.\u00a0 This outfall channel is experiencing severe erosion that threatens to damage a pedestrian bridge, the historic masonry walls and critical salamander habitat. Habitat rehabilitation at Sunken Gardens, through a combination of reconstruction and restoration, is a conservation measure in the 2013 Barton Springs Pool Habitat Conservation Plan in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife permit issued to the City of Austin. In addition, the historic masonry walls which surround the upper tiers of Sunken Garden have been studied and recommended to be repaired in the 2008 Barton Springs Master Plan.<\/p>\n
Project Description<\/p>\n
This contract will provide engineering services to design and implement erosion repairs, stream stabilization, and improvements to the hydraulic structures associated with Sunken Garden. In addition to repair of the stream channel, it is a primary goal of this project to preserve and improve the salamander habitat in the spring-fed pool and channel.\u00a0Additionally, the project\u00a0will address structural deficiencies and restore the historic stone masonry walls associated with Sunken Garden.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The\u00a0project will include a partial realignment and expansion of the spring-fed stream channel to a new outfall on Barton Creek, as well as stabilization of a portion of the existing channel and modification to the inner-most stone wall to improve the outlet from the spring-fed pool. It also includes improvements to the recreational trail along Barton Creek, bank stabilization along Barton Creek, and the replacement of an existing pedestrian bridge\u00a0with a new, longer prefabricated truss bridge to span the new outfall.<\/p>\n
The final design contract will also include an evaluation of the historic stone masonry walls surrounding the Sunken Garden Spring and design for repair and restoration of the structures.\u00a0Combining the erosion repair, habitat enhancement, and structural restoration elements into one contract for design and construction leverages the combined expertise of the Austin Watershed Protection and Austin Parks and Recreation, and will result in reduced impacts to the public, cost savings, and delivery of the best possible project.<\/p>\n
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Objectives<\/p>\n
The project has three primary objectives:\u00a0<\/p>\n
To establish a stable spring-fed stream channel that significantly reduces erosion risk for the spring, the pedestrian bridge, and park facilities (trails, parking, and historic structures).Enhance and expand the salamander habitat as required by the habitat conservation plan specified in the City\u2019s permit to operate Barton Springs Pool.Preserve the adjacent historic structures and increase public interaction with them through interpretive signs and viewpoints.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Overall, the project meets these goals by creating a stable spring-fed channel with a significantly expanded area for salamander habitat. The design phase will be accomplished through a partnership\u00a0between Austin Parks and Recreation and Watershed Protection and is\u00a0being managed by the Capital Delivery Services Department.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anticipated Schedule\u00a02023-2024: Preliminary phase (complete)2024-2026:\u00a0Design and permitting (ongoing)2026-2027:\u00a0Construction and anticipated project completion<\/p>\n
Please note that, as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change because of the nature of construction and the weather.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Community Engagement<\/p>\n
Austin Parks and\u00a0Recreation will provide online project updates to keep the public informed on the project schedule.<\/p>\n
![\"old_mill_spring\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/old_mill_spring.jpg\")
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Funding and Resources<\/p>\n
Project design\u00a0is supported by funding from the Historic Preservation Fund and Watershed Erosion Control and Stormwater Funds.<\/p>\n
Contact Information<\/p>\n