The completed 2014 Aquatic Assessment identified Shipe Pool as a Critical Pool. The term ‘critical pool’ refers to an aquatic facility that has the potential to functionally fail within the next 5 swim seasons. The classification was determined per the condition of the 60 year old facility. In September of 2014, City of Austin City Council awarded a onetime allocation for refurbishment of Shipe Pool in the amount of $3,100,000.
Sign Up for Project Updates
Shipe Pool Updates
August 14, 2019 - Project Update
July 18, 2019 - Project Update
June 28, 2019 - Project Update
May 14, 2019 - Project Update
April 17, 2019 - Project Update
September 28, 2018 - Project Update
April 16, 2018 - The Shipe Pool construction set of drawings were issued for solicitation of bids through the Capital Contracting Office of the City of Austin.
Public Engagement
Project FAQs
Public Meeting 1
March 23, 2016, 6:30-8:00pm
The Griffin School, 5001 Evans Ave
Vision Workshop
May 16, 2016, 6:30-8:00pm
Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E 41st Street
Concept Meeting
June 7, 2016, 6:30-8:00pm
The Griffin School Auditorium, 5001 Evans Ave
Public Meeting 4
July 14, 2016, 6:30-8:00pm
The Griffin School Auditorium, 5001 Evans Ave
Land, Facilities and Programs Meeting
September 12, 2016, starting at 5:30 PM
PARD Annex, 919 W. 28 1/2 Street
Open House
October 10, 2016, 6:00-7:30 PM
Hancock Recreation Center, 811 41st Street
Project Background
The Shipe Neighborhood Pool is located at 4400 Ave. G. The facility sits adjacent to the nationally renowned Elisabet Nay Museum and grounds. There is a robust community group that is concerned with the park and the pool facility. The pool site also contains an elaborate mural that is located on the back side of the structure that houses the pool pumps and chlorination systems, that was sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) and the Austin Arts in Public Places (AIPP) program of the City of Austin.
PARD anticipates to primarily renovate the existing pool facility. Due to the condition of the facility deck area, pool bottom and sides, coping and the condition of the water circulating system, there is a high potential that the entire pool and facility be re-designed and the pool reconstructed in place. Any renovations made will focus on improvements that meet current health, ADA codes and aquatic standards as set by the PARD and local codes.
Anticipated Services
The recently completed Westenfield Pool at Westenfield Park demonstrates the typical amenities to be provided for a neighborhood pool. Inclusive of the design parameters for a neighborhood pool are gender specific restroom facilities, lap pool, activity pool, expansive deck space, shade structures and an art component. The design must skillfully integrate the existing park amenities which include the historic Texas log cabin dog trot, art mural, and the protected and heritage trees of the site. The design shall also respond to potential aquatic programming opportunities for the neighborhood and extensive public outreach for design input and feedback.