Future of the Bellamar in danger: Free voters demand solutions!

Future of the Bellamar in danger: Free voters demand solutions!

In Schwetzingen there is a lot of interest in the monthly civil meeting of the Free Voters (SFW). Despite a narrow agenda, numerous citizens gathered to discuss the future of Bellamar's own business. [Schwetzinger Zeitung] (https://www.schwetzinger-zeitung.de/orte/schwetzingen_artikel ,-schwetzingen-waehler-waehlingen-Schwetzingen-belamar-_arid-_arid.2312191.html) reports that the popular leisure pool has been fighting with considerable financial challenges in recent years.

The pain limit has long been exceeded: in 2022 the losses of the bath were over 1.7 million euros. The current figures also show no sigh of relief: for operating income of 4.3 million euros, there is a deficit of around 437,000 euros for 2023. And the forecasts for 2024 look even darker, with an expected shortfall between 700,000 and 900,000 euros. Despite these numbers, the free voters emphasize the importance of the bathroom for the swimming training of the children, which is of considerable value for the community.

the in -house Bellamar

The Bellamar in-house operation is managed by the city of Schwetzingen as a public company according to the own company Act Baden-Württemberg. Figure guides like Mayor Dr. René Pöltl and the technical authorized signatory Patrick Körner are responsible. The swimming pool, which has been operated since 1984, also includes an adjacent outdoor pool and attracts both residents and guests, which regulates a public law agreement between Schwetzingen and the municipality of Oftersheim. Schwetzingen.de informs about the business conditions that are intended to ensure transparent management of the bathroom.

Especially against the background of an extension of the mandate, it would make sense to check a reduction system for admission prices for locals, inspired by the model in Walldorf. Such measures could help reduce the loss to visitors and to establish a sustainable usage concept.

Promotion of foot and bike traffic

Another hit at the citizens' meeting was the topic of promoting foot and cycling. With a new concept of the working group bicycle and pedestrian-friendly municipalities (AGFK), the way is to be paved to apply for funding for conversions such as bicycle streets or barrier-free walkways. The costs for advice and planning amount to around 15,000 euros. The topic of accessibility was a central concern of the citizens who realized that in particular wheelchair users, people with walkers or families with strollers often meet in insufficiently equipped paths.

The use of rental bikes also accepts gratifying trains. The figures showed an increase of 34 percent between 2022 and 2023, which makes the implementation of a nationwide system even more pressing from March 2027. The current contract for the offer (VNR Nextbike) expires on December 31, 2025. Here it was suggested to extend the existing loan system until the introduction of the new concept.

outlook and events

upcoming appointments for the Schwetzingen citizens: inside also causing excitement. On July 6th, the white sausage meal invites you to the Fackel-Kretz-Keller family's farm, with Mayor Lisa Schlüter expected as a guest. The proceeds from the event go to the table shop "Appel and Ei". In addition, a cemetery inspection with the mayor is planned, which is expected to take place in late summer or autumn.

The commitment of the free voters and the city administration shows that Schwetzingen wants to take a clear course for the future of the Bellamar and the mobility of its citizens: inside. It remains exciting how the discussions and planned measures will develop.