Crisis situation in aquadrom: Whether demands quick solutions for Hockenheim!

Crisis situation in aquadrom: Whether demands quick solutions for Hockenheim!

A storm of worries currently spreads in the Aquadrom in Hockenheim. Mayor Marcus Zeitler has registered a clear need for action because the financial framework conditions are anything but rosy. For 2024, a deficit of 4.2 million euros is expected to be estimated, a fact that questions the future of the popular swimming pool. Zeitler emphasizes that the aquadrome is closed due to the high follow -up costs and the loss to general interest for citizens, pupils and clubs. "People have to get more to the aquadrom," he demands, because currently only 29% of visitors come from Hockenheim themselves, which is not enough to reduce the deficit.

The Aquadrom, since 1981 under the operation of the Stadtwerke Hockenheim, is in a precarious location. Despite the determination of normal wear during the annual revision, there are serious problems. Damage to the float pool could not be remedied, which led to the closure of the bathroom. At the moment, only the sauna and the salt grotto are open, whereby the visit is offered at discounted prices. The city administration is working on a quick solution, but the duration of the closure remains uncertain. Also [hockenheim.de] (https://www.hockenheim.de/startsite/rathaus/aquadrom+Blebt+ first+-noch+Scht.html) refers to the challenges with which the aquadrom is faced.

financial challenges and possible future strategies

The financial situation of the Aquadrome has continuously deteriorated since 2019, with deficits that increase from 2.5 million euros in 2019 to a forecast amount of 4.2 million euros in 2024. In addition to the financial aspects, the number of visitors is also a critical point. In recent years, the numbers have been fluctuating greatly: in 2020 they have fallen to a questionable low of 45,904 due to the pandemic, only to stabilize themselves back to 168.101 in 2022 and to rise to 239.248 in 2023. Nevertheless, you have to mobilize more Hockenheimer to use the colorful range of options that the Aquadrom offers.

With a view to the future, several variants for the operation of the Aquadrom were presented. A preferred option is the provision of services with a focus on school and club swimming, with investments of around 17 million euros and an annual grant requirement of around 2.1 million euros. Alternatively, a sports and club bath variant could be introduced, but requires investments of around 50 million euros and an annual grant of 3.5 million euros. Finally, the current operating cost variant with an annual minus of 6-7 million euros by 2030, plus necessary investments of 17.5 million euros, was outlined. As [schwetzinger-zeitung.de] (https://www.schwetzinger-zeitung.de/orte/hockenheim_artikel ,-hockenheim-hock-zum-aquad-aquadrom-iT-IT-IT-INFICH- INTACH-_ARID.2315490.html), the decision is not one in the hands of the municipal council, not one Citizens' Council.

A look outside the box

The challenges that arise when operating swimming pools are not new. As describing [sportplatzwelt.de] (https://www.sportplatzwelt.de/fachkissen/22344/leitfaden-fuer-bau-und-finanzierung-eines-kommunalen-Schwimmbad), structured planning and the consideration of political wishes as well as citizens' ideas are required. Diversity and attractiveness are crucial to maintain operation. Financing is often a critical topic, since operating costs are often deficient, but funding from the federal and state governments should be considered for construction.

It remains to be seen whether the Aquadrom overcomes its challenges and what the plans of a possible renovation and redesign look like. The fact is that the Hockenheim citizens want a good hand and hope that a solution will soon be in sight. The Aquadrom finally has an important meaning for many, and that has to be preserved!