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Roofs full of water: Left demands open-air swimming pools for Berlin!
The Berlin Left is calling for rooftop swimming pools for more outdoor pools. The aim is better water quality and access for families in Berlin.
Roofs full of water: Left demands open-air swimming pools for Berlin!
In the lively debate about access to swimming facilities in German cities, the Berlin Left is putting an innovative proposal on the table: swimming pools on the roofs of municipal residential buildings. RBB24 reports that this idea could, above all, increase the quality of life of tenants in large residential complexes by creating a place not only for swimming, but also for socializing.
The planned project stipulates that the inclusion of swimming pools in addition to schools, daycare centers and connections to the public transport network is already included in the planning of new building projects. “Swimming pools are not just a leisure activity, they are essential for the safety of our children,” explains a spokesman for the Left. In this discussion, Vienna also comes into play as a successful role model. This city has had rooftop pools for 50 years, particularly in the Alterlaa residential park, which houses over 3,000 apartments and a total of 14 pools, including seven on roofs.
Vienna as a source of inspiration
The Alterlaa residential park impressively shows how such projects can be realized. The use of the bathrooms is limited to tenants who contribute to this through their operating costs. It is interesting that a pool is profitable for around 150 residential units, with annual operating costs amounting to around 30,000 euros. At a time when many Berliners have difficulty finding a suitable outdoor swimming pool nearby, this idea could bring new impetus to the often arduous search for swimming opportunities.
Berlin is currently struggling with a lack of swimming pools, which makes many citizens dissatisfied. According to a report, the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district is particularly lagging behind: there is not a single outdoor swimming pool there for almost 300,000 people. Long waiting times at the existing pools are the order of the day and put a strain on the quality of life of citizens. There is also a need to improve the water quality in the Spree in order to make swimming in this body of water possible.
Outdoor pools in other cities
In other cities in Germany, such as Bielefeld, there are examples of well-frequented outdoor pools that also offer a wide range of leisure activities. That's how enjoyable it is Dornberg outdoor pool very popular, especially in the summer months. With extensive grounds, a large swimming and non-swimmer pool as well as an impressive giant slide, it is a popular place for families and sporty people. There are also well-maintained sanitary facilities, a bistro and regular events such as family days and swimming courses.
With entry prices that are affordable for everyone and a well-thought-out safety concept, the Dornberg outdoor pool is an exemplary model for the design of public swimming opportunities. The availability of swimming pools in urban areas plays a central role in the health and well-being of the population.
Overall, it shows that there is a need for more swimming opportunities not only in Berlin, but also in other cities. It remains to be seen whether and how Berlin's plans to build rooftop pools will gain traction and whether Vienna can serve as a model. Because one thing is certain: swimming is more than just a sport - it is a part of the quality of life.