Coburg's outdoor pool future: Citizens are demanding more space and a wave pool!

Coburg's outdoor pool future: Citizens are demanding more space and a wave pool!

In Coburg the traffic lights for the new Aquaria building are green. A current survey in which 600 citizens took part shows: 70.7 percent of those surveyed would like a larger outdoor pool area, which should also include a wave pool. This is reported by the North Bavarian Press. But not everyone is of the same opinion - there are also voices who believe that maintaining an outdoor swimming pool is not necessary.

The city of Coburg is facing unanswered questions: A recently launched citizens' initiative by the FDP aims to actively involve the public in the discussion about the construction of a new outdoor pool. Opinions on the future design of the bathroom vary widely. Many are calling for the open spaces to be retained to a similar extent to the existing outdoor swimming pool.

Details about the new Aquaria

The old Aquaria, opened in 1973, has seen better days and is difficult to repair. The city therefore decided to build a completely new building. The city council recently approved with a large majority a concept that was developed in numerous workshops with experts and representatives of the city council factions. The needs were assessed in detail, and swimming clubs and schools were also included. The City administration plans to provide the new building with a water area that will double in size - five 50-meter lanes and two teaching pools are expected, one of which even has diving towers. An adventure pool and a children's area with a paddling pool are also part of the concept.

The idea of ​​having water quality monitored by an AI system in the future sounds particularly exciting. These innovations are complemented by a dining area and a sauna with various areas such as a fireplace sauna and steam bath. However, the outdoor area will be smaller than in the old Aquaria, taking into account the reduced interest in outdoor pools, although an outdoor pool that can be used all year round and a children's area are planned.

The investments for the new building also need to be clarified: the total costs amount to around 57 million euros, of which 50 million euros come from city funds. Around 6 million euros in funding is also expected from the federal and state governments. Despite rising construction costs due to inflation in the construction industry and an investment backlog of 186.1 billion euros in the municipalities, the city wants to keep admission prices at a moderate level. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028 and is expected to be completed in 2030.

The location of swimming pools in Germany

The situation for swimming pools in Germany is tense: A current survey shows that around one in seven public pools could close in the next three years if comprehensive renovations are not carried out. This not only affects Coburg, but is a nationwide problem. The city's commitment to building a new aquarium could therefore also be an important step in preserving the bathing culture in the region and counteracting the downward spiral. Ute Vogt, President of the German Life Saving Society (DLRG), calls the loss of 800 pools nationwide as fatal for swimming and bathing culture. The Future of swimming infrastructure therefore requires quick action.

With these developments, the city of Coburg is showing a strong commitment to improving the swimming infrastructure and thus also the quality of life locally. The next few years will show whether the plan has broad support among the population and whether the renovations can actually be implemented.