Rural Outdoor Pools in Thuringia Face Funding Crisis
Rural outdoor pools, often the lifeblood of local communities, are being overlooked and underfunded in Thuringia. Despite their crucial role in social and sporting activities, these pools are not even listed as school swimming facilities and have been excluded from state financial aid for the past two years. State politicians primarily justify funding decisions based on year-round swimming instruction, a small fraction of a pool's overall operation. This focus has led to a disproportionate allocation of resources towards urban indoor pools, often referred to as 'Aquatic Temples'. Many of these were built during the GDR period using school swimming as a political argument. Meanwhile, rural outdoor pools struggle to survive, often relying on volunteer efforts to keep them open. Mayor Erik Thürmer highlights the importance of rural outdoor pools in swimming culture, youth work, and community life. The town of Kaltennordheim echoes this sentiment, demanding equal consideration for rural outdoor pools in the debate over Thuringia’s future swimming infrastructure and funding policies. To ensure a sustainable and fair solution, rural outdoor pools must be recognized and supported as essential public services. Their role extends far beyond school swimming, making them vital hubs for rural communities. The state should reassess its funding priorities to reflect the true value of these pools.
