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 Municipal Executive therefore proposes that the City Council investigate the feasibility of a new indoor swimming pool. This will look at the possibility of a 4-lane competition pool and a target group/instructive 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
Councilman Rik van Lochem: "I understand there are ideas from residents about the future of Blue Lake and the role the community can play in it. 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 naturally also applies to any civic initiatives around nature outdoor pool 't Walfort 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.