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