Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the new year starts, we are providing an up
date on 2019 developments and to tell you about our anticipated “next steps” in 2020.
In reviewing 2019, we are certainly thrilled and grateful for our success with the fundraising for the historic Bathhouse Rehabilitation project, including the celebration of the Moody Foundation’s generous donation to meet our $3 million funding commitment to the City of Austin. We are also quite proud of our education and outreach programs, including the Huston-Tillotson University at the Springs Event, environmental education sessions with the Austin Sunshine Camps, our Family Day at the Springs program in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, and our Deep Dives educational speaker series presentation on Aquatic Plants at Barton Springs Pool. In addition to continuing with our work toward realizing a new Zilker Park Visitor Welcome/Education Center, we have collaborated on other facility improvement projects, including the Aquatic Plant Restoration project and proposed upper dam modifications to improve the flow regime at Barton Springs. Most recently, the Conservancy commissioned a Natural Resources Survey by the Siglo Group that has been fully funded by ongoing, dedicated donors to help expedite the Zilker Park master plan process.
Another significant event in 2019 was the
decision by Emma Lindrose-Siegel to resign as the Executive Director of Barton Springs Conservancy to accept a position with the Great Springs Project. Her time with Barton Springs Conservancy will be treasured and she has promised to remain a regular swimmer at Barton Springs! We are incredibly grateful for her hard work in achieving these successes, and we wish her the best of luck in her new role. We are also deeply grateful to Jennifer Berrong, our Development and Communications Associate, for her happy, hearty, and
most helpful
work to support the Conservancy during this transition.
With this transition providing an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments and to plan for the future, the Conservancy’s board has decided to engage in a strategic planning process in 2020 to thoughtfully consider our future efforts to honor, preserve, and enhance the Barton Springs experience. Fortuitously, the transition timing coincides with the upcoming Zilker Park master planning process which provides a wonderful opportunity for the Conservancy to support additional facility and education improvements projects, such as new environmental education exhibits at the Bathhouse. Other potential projects include the restoration of the historic Zilker Ponds, a new bathroom on the south side, and improvements to the outdoor trails around Barton Springs, to name a few possibilities.
Through this planning process, we will continue to collaborate with the City and other stakeholders .
We have important work to accomplish to preserve and protect this beautiful Austin treasure.
Thank you for sharing our love for the Springs and appreciation of this special place.
For the Love of the Springs!
Mike Cannatti
Barton Springs Conservancy
