The municipality of De Wolden must provide more subsidies to the open-air swimming pools, otherwise the swimming pools are in danger of closing. This is the conclusion of research agency Antea Group, which investigated the dire financial situation of the swimming pools.
The municipality’s contribution has not increased in recent years with the higher costs for energy, personnel and maintenance. The swimming pools in Zuidwolde, Ruinen and De Wijk already sounded a cry for help last year. The rising costs can no longer be afforded. The study that the municipality had carried out for 25,000 euros confirms that picture.
Over the past ten years, the municipality has divested itself of managing the swimming pools. First of all, Zwembad Ruinen (2014) became independent, followed by De Waterlelie in Zuidwolde and De Slenken in de Wijk (both 2017). The management foundations set up do receive an annual subsidy from the municipality, but this has remained the same in all these years.
“Because the municipal contribution forms a substantial part of annual income, expenditure and income have become increasingly divergent,” the researchers conclude. “If municipal contributions are not aligned with rising costs, the baths will be forced to close within a few years.”
If the municipality had allowed the subsidy to increase with inflation, the baths would now receive tens of thousands of euros more per year. Antea Group recommends that the municipality increase contributions and give the Ruinen Swimming Pool an additional increase (15,000 euros). The contribution for school swimming should also be increased, which has not increased for years.