Aalten municipality sets course for new indoor pool
The municipality of Aalten wants to continue to have a modern and affordable swimming pool after 2032. The mayor and aldermen are therefore proposing to the municipal council that they investigate whether a new indoor swimming pool is feasible. This will involve looking into the possibility of a 4-lane competition pool and a target group/instruction pool.
Research by agency Synarchis - which specializes in this field - shows that this so-called two-bath concept best meets residents' wishes and the municipality's policy goals. Most residents consider swimming lessons, free swimming and target group swimming important, according to the residents' and users' survey. There is plenty of room for these in this new concept. New construction also offers more opportunities for sustainability and allows the municipality to reduce the current overcapacity of swimming water, which is necessary for healthy operations.
No more municipal outdoor pool after 2032
Also part of the proposal is that no municipal outdoor pool will remain open after 2032. This particularly affects residents of Dinxperlo and the surrounding area who enjoy visiting Het Blauwe Meer. The college understands that this may cause disappointment. However, for years the swimming pool has been dealing with sharply declining visitor numbers and high costs, while there are many other (outdoor) swimming offers available in the region.
Future of outdoor pools
Alderman van Lochem: "I understand that residents have ideas about the future of Het Blauwe Meer and the role that the community can play in this. I find this local involvement very valuable. That is why the municipality is willing to provide space for such initiatives and to play a facilitating role in this. And that also applies, of course, to any citizens' initiatives concerning the 't Walfort natural outdoor swimming pool in Aalten."
Follow-up research
To further develop the scenario of new construction, the college is asking the council to make 50,000 euros available for follow-up research. This will include looking at the most suitable location, layout and financial feasibility. The city council will discuss the proposal in November 2025.