Barton Springs Conservancy Receives $2.1 Million Donation from Moody Foundation

With funding in hand, conservancy and city begin historic rehabilitation of Barton Springs Bathhouse

AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB) April 17, 2019

Barton Springs Conservancy announced today that it has received a $2.1 million donation from the Moody Foundation to support the rehabilitation of the iconic Barton Springs Bathhouse. The monumental gift marks a milestone for the Conservancy as the nonprofit secures $8 million in public and private funds for a facility rehabilitation and renovation of the historic Bathhouse as part of the Conservancy's "For the Love of the Springs" campaign. Legendary Barton Springs advocate and honorary campaign chair Luci Baines Johnson will thank Ross Moody and the Moody Foundation at a VIP celebration event on May 9, 2019.

"As a decades-long swimmer at Barton Springs, the pool and historic Bathhouse have always been special to me," said Ross Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation and CEO and President of National Western Life Group. "With the Moody Foundation's gift, I am humbled to help expedite the rehabilitation process so the community can continue to enjoy the historic Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse for many years."

Funding for the Bathhouse rehabilitation comes from a variety of sources, including a voter-approved 2012 city bond, $3 million in Hotel Occupancy Tax funding and $3 million in private philanthropic donations. Barton Springs Conservancy, which spearheaded the fundraising initiative, has worked to drive donations for renovation and conservation projects surrounding Barton Springs since 2014, including the restoration of the Barton Springs gateposts in 2015 and the Bathhouse rehabilitation project. The Conservancy describes its mission as one of advocacy and contribution to the environmental, educational, recreational, historical, and cultural well-being of Barton Springs. This mission resonated with the Moody Foundation, in particular trustee Ross J. Moody.

"The Moody Foundation's generosity has helped us reach this incredible milestone for the Barton Springs Bathhouse, and we are thrilled to have the support of such an important philanthropist and leader in Austin so this historic Austin treasure can continue to be used and enjoyed for generations to come," said Emma Lindrose-Siegel, Executive Director of Barton Springs Conservancy. "With this gift, and the support of the Austin community, we can begin our efforts to rehabilitate the Historic Barton Springs Bathhouse to its original splendor, restore the rotunda and dressing areas, and make the facilities usable for modern needs."

After 72 years of public use, the Barton Springs Bathhouse is in need of repair, restoration and modernization to meet contemporary needs. All building alterations will aim to make the facility more modern and accessible while respecting the historic architectural heritage of the original structure, as called for by the Barton Springs Pool Master Plan and the Zilker Park Bathhouse Zone Feasibility Study. Planned renovations include reopening the original men's and women's entrances at the central rotunda locations, restoring the women's dressing area to be brighter and more expansive, modernizing and expanding bathroom facilities and enhancing the educational components of the space. Barton Springs Conservancy's "For the Love of the Springs" campaign, launched in 2016, seeks to raise funds for this rehabilitation project based on a proposed redesign and budget created by the city of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Since the campaign's inception, lifelong lover of the springs Luci Baines Johnson has served as honorary campaign chair.

"Barton Springs is one of those places that truly defines Austin, and for generations people have been drawn to it as a place of reflection, rejuvenation and joy," said Johnson. "With this gift, and the efforts of the Conservancy, the Barton Springs Bathhouse can continue to serve the needs of future Austinites as they enjoy one of Austin's most magical places."

The Moody Foundation joins dozens of other private donors and philanthropies in their commitment to conserving Barton Springs for future generations while continuing to educate the public on both ecological importance and their natural beauty. With funding secured, the rehabilitation project is underway with design work by Limbacher & Godfrey Architects, and Barton Springs Conservancy plans to continue to fundraise and advocate for a full environmental education outreach program surrounding the Springs as the rehabilitation project is underway.

For more information about Barton Springs Conservancy and their mission to honor, preserve and enhance the experience of Barton Springs through education and facilities improvements, visit http://www.bartonspringsconservancy.org.

About Barton Spring Conservancy
Since 2014, Barton Springs Conservancy has worked to honor, preserve and enhance the experience of Barton Springs through education and facilities improvements. In collaboration with the City of Austin, community leaders and stakeholders of the Springs, Barton Springs Conservancy helps to raise funds for projects that ensure future generations can continue to love and enjoy Austin's very heart and soul for generations to come. The Conservancy exists to contribute to the environmental, educational, recreational, historical, and cultural well-being of this beloved treasure of the community.

About the Moody Foundation
The Moody Foundation was established by W.L. Moody, Jr. and Libbie Shearn Moody in 1942 to share their good fortune and make a difference in the lives of the people of Texas. Since then, the Moody Foundation has made more than $1.5 billion in grants throughout the state to organizations that have educated, healed, nurtured and inspired generations of Texans. The Moody Foundation continues with a board of three trustees: Frances Moody-Dahlberg, Ross Moody and Elizabeth Moody. Learn more at MoodyF.org.

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