Tapping into Liquid Heat in the Wilds by DHM Design
Tucked into the mountains of Wyoming, a recreation area and resort known as Astoria Hot Springs was in need of a renaissance. Enthused about the prospect of giving the site a new start, Colorado-based landscape architecture firm DHM Design led a team through a community-driven participatory process to facilitate the update of this beloved local treasure. One of the key tenets of the project was to ensure that the park's revival would pay tribute to its past while providing for the needs of the present. The contemporary facility with its thermal waters is open year-round and reconnects the Jackson, Wyoming community with the Snake River corridor and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
This plan view provides a detailed layout of key features of the Astoria Hot Springs Resort area such as soaking pools, a leisure pool, a kids' pool, other visitor amenities, and an event lawn near the Snake River. The right-hand side shows part of a network of trails and pedestrian pathways that were developed to ensure safe circulation for visitors while connecting them with the park's native surroundings. There are also wetland ecosystems to the right that are designed to enhance environmental stewardship by improving diversity of plants and habitat, filter water before it reaches the river, and create a buffer between the natural and manmade site.
First developed in 1961, the historic pools had been demolished by a private developer. Trust for Public Lands later purchased the site, which was then mostly gravel, weeds, and a small pond with geothermal water where the hot springs had been. During the renovation, new trees planted included Thornless Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli 'Inermis,') Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera), Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides), Canada Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana 'Canada Red,') Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Golden Willow (Salix alba vitellina). Tree root barriers were installed to ensure roots grow downward - not towards the surface - to maintain the health of mature trees. The historic bridge crossing the Snake River was preserved.
Astoria Hot Springs relies on natural geothermic energy to keep every pool - except the kids' pool and the cold plunge pool - between 102 and 104 degrees. As a flow-through system, the geothermal water is distributed to each individual pool at a rate that keeps the temperature steady and turns over fast enough that it does not need filtering or treatment. A variety of pool sizes were specified to increase interest in the recreation area.
Advanced water conservation measures, including filtration and recycling systems, ensure the efficient use of the hot springs' water resources. Geotextile and other products were installed to address erosion control. Large stones, relocated from site excavation areas, were specified to add interest and natural textures, and serve as seats.
The site's design incorporates the conventional route of the hot springs to provide natural drainage for visual appeal and filtration, restrict access to minimize mud tracking, and establish separate active areas from quieter soaking spaces. Wetland plants along the central channel include Scratchgrass (Muhlenbergia asperifolia), Lindley's Aster (Symphyotrichum ciliolatum), and Jointed Rush (Juncus articulates). The pools are constructed using shotcrete. The coping used poured-in-place concrete to accommodate the irregular, curved forms.
A rustic trough used to convey water into this pool is a great example of the overall approach of the redevelopment to retain historical features. Pools were designed with undulating edges to reflect the more natural pond shapes rather than impose the straight sides of traditional recreational swimming pools.
Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low') was part of the ground cover installed. Other plantings included Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Woods' Rose (Rosa woodsii ultramontana), and Mountain Snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus). The irrigation system encompassed a Hunter irrigation controller, pop-up and spray heads, and Rainbird drip emitters. The spring that made Astoria Hot Springs possible has been flowing into the Snake River for thousands of years.
Locally sourced, sustainable materials were employed to reduce the environmental impact. This included aggregate, gravel, and crusher fines sourced from local stone yards, as well as granite boulders sourced from the river. The landscape design also features native plant species supplied by local nurseries. These plants require minimal irrigation, which reduces water usage and maintains ecological integrity. The reeds planted here are a mixture of Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), Needle Spikerush (Elecocharis acicularis), and Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia). On the bottom-left corner is a Lindley's Aster (Symphyotrichum ciliolatum).
To maintain the park's character and connection to its past, Johnny Counts' Cabin, an on-site example of the Old West, was saved and restored to serve as offices and a community event space.
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Tucked into the mountains of Wyoming, a recreation area and resort known as Astoria Hot Springs was in need of a renaissance. Enthused about the prospect of giving the site a new start, Colorado-based landscape architecture firm DHM Design led a team through a community-driven participatory process to facilitate the update of this beloved local treasure. One of the key tenets of the project was to ensure that the park's revival would pay tribute to its past while providing for the needs of the present. The contemporary facility with its thermal waters is open year-round and reconnects the Jackson, Wyoming community with the Snake River corridor and Bridger-Teton National Forest.
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This plan view provides a detailed layout of key features of the Astoria Hot Springs Resort area such as soaking pools, a leisure pool, a kids' pool, other visitor amenities, and an event lawn near the Snake River. The right-hand side shows part of a network of trails and pedestrian pathways that were developed to ensure safe circulation for visitors while connecting them with the park's native surroundings. There are also wetland ecosystems to the right that are designed to enhance environmental stewardship by improving diversity of plants and habitat, filter water before it reaches the river, and create a buffer between the natural and manmade site.
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First developed in 1961, the historic pools had been demolished by a private developer. Trust for Public Lands later purchased the site, which was then mostly gravel, weeds, and a small pond with geothermal water where the hot springs had been. During the renovation, new trees planted included Thornless Hawthorn (Crataegus crus-galli 'Inermis,') Narrowleaf Cottonwood (Populus angustifolia), Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera), Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides), Canada Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana 'Canada Red,') Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Golden Willow (Salix alba vitellina). Tree root barriers were installed to ensure roots grow downward - not towards the surface - to maintain the health of mature trees. The historic bridge crossing the Snake River was preserved.
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Astoria Hot Springs relies on natural geothermic energy to keep every pool - except the kids' pool and the cold plunge pool - between 102 and 104 degrees. As a flow-through system, the geothermal water is distributed to each individual pool at a rate that keeps the temperature steady and turns over fast enough that it does not need filtering or treatment. A variety of pool sizes were specified to increase interest in the recreation area.
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Advanced water conservation measures, including filtration and recycling systems, ensure the efficient use of the hot springs' water resources. Geotextile and other products were installed to address erosion control. Large stones, relocated from site excavation areas, were specified to add interest and natural textures, and serve as seats.
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The site's design incorporates the conventional route of the hot springs to provide natural drainage for visual appeal and filtration, restrict access to minimize mud tracking, and establish separate active areas from quieter soaking spaces. Wetland plants along the central channel include Scratchgrass (Muhlenbergia asperifolia), Lindley's Aster (Symphyotrichum ciliolatum), and Jointed Rush (Juncus articulates). The pools are constructed using shotcrete. The coping used poured-in-place concrete to accommodate the irregular, curved forms.
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A rustic trough used to convey water into this pool is a great example of the overall approach of the redevelopment to retain historical features. Pools were designed with undulating edges to reflect the more natural pond shapes rather than impose the straight sides of traditional recreational swimming pools.
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Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low') was part of the ground cover installed. Other plantings included Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Woods' Rose (Rosa woodsii ultramontana), and Mountain Snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus). The irrigation system encompassed a Hunter irrigation controller, pop-up and spray heads, and Rainbird drip emitters. The spring that made Astoria Hot Springs possible has been flowing into the Snake River for thousands of years.
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Locally sourced, sustainable materials were employed to reduce the environmental impact. This included aggregate, gravel, and crusher fines sourced from local stone yards, as well as granite boulders sourced from the river. The landscape design also features native plant species supplied by local nurseries. These plants require minimal irrigation, which reduces water usage and maintains ecological integrity. The reeds planted here are a mixture of Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), Needle Spikerush (Elecocharis acicularis), and Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia). On the bottom-left corner is a Lindley's Aster (Symphyotrichum ciliolatum).
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To maintain the park's character and connection to its past, Johnny Counts' Cabin, an on-site example of the Old West, was saved and restored to serve as offices and a community event space.
The revitalization of Astoria Hot Springs represents a profound commitment to reconnecting the community of Jackson, Wyoming with a cherished natural treasure while embodying the principles of sustainability, historical preservation, and inclusive design.
DHM Design, a landscape architecture firm with offices in Colorado and Montana, led the project, aiming to restore the hot springs to their former glory and enhance them for the future. The new space would honor its yesteryears, serve the present community, protect the environment for generations to come, and be accessible to all. Another emphasis for the project was to implement cutting-edge sustainable design practices.
The Area's History Since the valley's earliest historic accounts, Astoria Hot Springs Park has been a gathering place in Wyoming's Snake River Canyon. Native American tribes, mountain men, and miners all traveled through or lived there. In the early 1900s, the land was a profitable cattle ranch, and in the early 1960s, it opened to the public as a leisure resort. Popular for local families, Astoria Hot Springs represented the area's growing recreation economy and love for the outdoors. Residents enjoyed the unique, close-to-home experience of soaking in the mineral springs, picnicking after a float on the Snake River, and camping along the riverbank. For many years, it was the only local resource for families to teach their children how to swim.
In 1999, the resort was closed to the public and almost became a private development. The community rallied to reclaim this retreat, fighting against the planned 200,000 square feet of luxury privatization. The Trust for Public Land eventually came to the rescue, working with civic and community leaders to protect 100 acres of sensitive landscape and return Astoria Hot Springs Park to wide-spread public use. As the prime consultant and Landscape Architect, DHM Design managed the team comprising the architect, local contractors, and aquatic, mechanical, structural, and electrical engineers. The local public also participated in the design process. Working closely with the Trust for Public Land, the team navigated the complex design and development process with a deep respect for the site's natural and cultural memory.
The collaborative effort involved community stakeholders, environmental experts, and local authorities, ensuring that the project meets the needs of the community while also contributing positively to the local ecosystem and economy. The updated facility integrates new structures and amenities without detracting from the site's natural and historical character, ensuring public access and inclusivity for all.
Preservation of Historical Elements One of the project's unique challenges was balancing the preservation of the site's historical elements with the need for modern amenities and infrastructure improvements. The team successfully preserved and restored Johnny Counts' Cabin, a historic western cabin on site, as new offices and an event space that hosts music and community gatherings year-round. Johnny Counts was a prospector in the early 1900s and the first recorded person to make the Astoria area a long-term home.
Community-Driven Design During the design of Astoria Hot Springs Park, residents participated in a variety of events and provided critical feedback to shape the final park plan. The goal was to create meaningful and sustained engagement with residents, address issues such as public health and inequality, and build strong partnerships for impactful public spaces. The final plan was directly shaped by this feedback, including safe water interaction areas, a variety of pools (leisure, kiddie, soaking, and cold plunge), accessible trails, out-of-water spaces, integrated public art, community spaces, and a natural aesthetic.
Inclusive and Accessible Design With their role as healing waters, it is important that hot springs be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The reimagined pools include ADA-compliant facilities, gentle slopes, and accessible entries.
Special efforts were made to engage the Latine community in the outreach process, resulting in the consideration of things like bilingual interpretive signage and larger picnic shelters with hooks for pi??atas to accommodate a cultural preference for large family gatherings and events.
Innovative Use of Materials and Design Techniques: The use of locally sourced, sustainable materials and innovative construction techniques reduced the environmental impact. These materials and methods not only enhance the project's sustainability but also blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, reinforcing the connection between nature and the built environment. The pools are strategically laid out to capture stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. Rigorous construction administration was crucial to maintaining design integrity, ensuring every element aligned with the project's vision and environmental goals.
Multi-Functional Spaces The redesigned facility incorporates areas that cater to various activities and events, solidifying the hot springs as a versatile community hub. This included spaces designated for relaxation, social gatherings, outdoor education, and cultural events, showcasing adaptability and relevance to a wide range of user needs.
Environmental Sensitivity and Sustainability Water conservation measures, including advanced filtration and recycling systems as well as native plant species that require minimal irrigation, assure the sustainable use of the hot springs' precious water resources. These efforts exemplify the project's commitment to environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in sensitive natural areas.
Now a Hot Ticket Designed to immerse visitors in the Snake River corridor and Bridger-Teton National Forest year-round, the bathing areas of Astoria Hot Springs are enchanting, whether in the winter snow or under a summer sunset behind the mountains.
This project restores a cherished regional asset, fostering social connections in a natural setting. While the hot springs will attract global visitors due to its prime location, it is truly designed for the local community. Contributions to the project came from the family who owned the property for generations and from individuals who learned to swim in the historic pools decades ago. Astoria Hot Springs provides a much-needed recreational space that enhances the well-being of residents and visitors alike, while also serving as an educational resource on the importance of natural resource conservation.
TEAM LIST Prime Consultant and Landscape Architect - DHM Architect - Anderson Hallas Civil Engineer (Preliminary) - Jorgensen Civil Engineer (Final) - Morrison-Maeirle Mechanical Engineer - 360 Mechanical Electrical Engineer - AE Design Aquatic Engineer - Cloward Environmental - Biota Permitting - Pierson Land Works Irrigation Hydrosystems - KDI
