Deep Eddy and Eilers Update
FODE leaders and the City of Austin Aquatics Department (PARD/Aquatics) have been working behind the scenes over the summer on various initiatives to maintain and develop Deep Eddy to serve our city’s residents and visitors. Here’s a quick update on our efforts around daily operations, facility enhancements, long-range vision, and community involvement.
Pool Operations
Wells & Hours
The Aquatics Department has faced multiple challenges to keep up the flow of clear, cool, spring water we depend upon for the unique Deep Eddy experience.
Well #1 has frequently been offline due a pump issue, with repairs scheduled for this fall.
Wells #3 and #4 are operating, but all the pumps have limited flow, probably due to a drop in the water table. PARD and FODE are exploring options for servicing or upgrades.
New Fall hours (9 am–7 pm) were established starting on September 1 to allow sufficient time for the wells to refill for an on-time pool opening.
FODE has also been consulting a hydrologist regarding potential future well and/or pump options.
Parking
Access to Deep Eddy Pool is constrained, at times, due to having fewer parking spaces than patrons. Our analysis shows that demand is greatest when trail-users come in the morning, and bar/restaurant patrons in the evening. We met twice over the summer with the COA Transportation Department and PARD, and have agreed to collaborate on plans to reduce conflicts and improve access.
Bullying Prevention
Multiple bullying incidents occurred this summer, disrupting our community, and distracting staff from critical duties. Please help make Deep Eddy a safe place by graciously sharing swim lanes. If you are aware of any threats, report them by calling 911. Continued disruptions may force PARD to limit access for repeat offenders.
Storage Pod Removal
Two temporary storage pods East of the women' s changing rooms have presented an eyesore and potential sanitation issue. FODE raised the issue with Aquatics and they have agreed to remove the pods to reduce pest problems and improve bathhouse cleanliness.
Improvements
We’re advancing key projects to enhance accessibility and comfort.
ADA Ramp
We are working with Limbacher & Godfrey architects to explore a switchback path or rail-based cart down the hill. We hope to have the architecture engineering for such work done under a City Heritage Grant, for which deadlines were moved to next year, giving us time to pursue.
Deck Furniture
Commercial-grade picnic tables and umbrellas are on our wishlist for improvements to the upper deck outside the pool house. We’ve identified wholesale pricing but have not yet decided on budget allocation or whether to launch a dedicated fundraiser.
Long Term Plan
We are continuing to develop a vision for the futures of Deep Eddy and Eilers Park together with with strategic partners and city allies.
Master Planning
Limbacher & Godfrey architects are developing a conceptual plan around six priority initiatives. PARD is fully engaged, and we expect a detailed roadmap by year’s end.
City Council Collaboration
Council Member Mark Duchen, who represents Region 10 around Deep Eddy, is an enthusiastic supporter of our improvement efforts. We have plans to continue meeting with him to flesh out specific ways City Hall can help drive projects forward.
Community
Your time, talent, and enthusiasm power every one of our successes.
T-Shirt Sales
Heidi Gibbons continues as our #1 fundraiser, handling all aspects of t-shirts emblazoned with the classic pool design. She recently made another large order to keep up with the brisk sales over the summer. Heidi is on the lookout for another volunteer who could spare a few hours to assist with inventory and sales.
Volunteer Leadership
FODE has many initiatives under way and we need more self-motivated swimmers to step up and help. Please reach out to me or any board member if you’re eager to contribute—especially those with fundraising, design, or project-management expertise.
Be Neighborly
My closing request is for Deep Eddy patrons to adopt a calm, friendly, neighborly demeanor toward your fellow swimmers. A sense of conflict might be worsened by the pool’s reduced hours and crowded conditions, but bullying is unacceptable. Please be respectful, and if you encounter bullying ask help from pool staff or call 911. But simple self-control can avoid the negative effects of bullying conflicts on our staff’s valuable time.
Thank you to everyone pitching in. Together, we’ll keep Deep Eddy and Eilers Park thriving for years to come.
Respectfully,
Paul Bardajgy, FODE President
bardagjy@mac.com