AUSTIN, Texas -- Free parking is hard to come by in Austin these days, so when it’s available, people take advantage.

  • Parking free at Deep Eddy Pool in Austin
  • People have been taking advantage
  • Metered parking could be in place by next March 

That’s been the case near Deep Eddy Pool. However, park officials are looking to clarify the message that you can’t park there if you don’t plan on swimming.

The signs are visible in the parking lot in front of the attraction. They’re designed to prevent those with no intention of swimming from parking at the location.

It turns out the signs weren’t helping. In fact, staff saw an increase in parking by people visiting other businesses in the area. That parking may not be free much longer.  

Park officials say it’s the last available free parking lot located along Lake Austin Boulevard. They’re now floating the idea of installing parking meters at the lot similar to those at Zilker Park.

The meters would be enforced during the aquatic season or certain times of day during certain days of the week. It’s projected the revenue could be used for infrastructure improvements.

“The two proposals that we have put forward [are] season pass holders with free parking as well as the daily user,” said the Austin Parks & Recreation Department’s Pedro Patlan.

If the changes are made they will likely take effect in March 2020.