Rheinstrandbad Rappenwört: Closure causes excitement and protests!

Rheinstrandbad Rappenwört: Closure causes excitement and protests!

In the heart of Karlsruhe, the discussion about the Rheinstrandbad Rappenwört is burning hotly. The popular pool is expected to be closed for two years by 2028, which is causing a lot of dissatisfaction among citizens. The idea behind the closure? Savings come amid a deep financial crisis for the city, which is grappling with a budget deficit of at least 160 million euros. But the great importance of the pool, which many Karlsruhe residents visit all year round, is recognized not only by the population, but also by those responsible themselves. Pool operations manager Oliver Sternagel criticizes the cost-cutting measures and points out the social function of the pool, which not only serves for relaxation but is also used for swimming lessons.

Mayor Yvette Melchien has already applied for funding worth 1.5 million euros to make the pool sustainable. However, these funds are yet to be approved. Local councilor Verena Anlauf raised further questions about the extent of the planned renovation work. Above all, the planned city anniversary in 2029 and the World Games raise big questions, because the city wants to use Rappenwört for the events. As Melchien announces, the restaurant could be back in operation by 2028 - a hope for everyone who loves the bathroom.

Protests and alternative solutions

The plans to close the Rheinstrandbad have mobilized not only those responsible, but also many citizens. Over 12,600 signatures have already been collected for an online petition calling for the pool to be preserved. In order to counteract the threat of closure, committed citizens have considered setting up a support association. Local councilor Detlef Hofmann also suggests spreading the financing of the pool more broadly and acquiring the necessary funds instead of just relying on savings.

But the financial conditions speak a different language. The city administration has ordered the pool companies to save 900,000 euros - an amount that roughly corresponds to the pool's annual personnel costs. Mayor Frank Mentrup emphasizes the urgency of these measures and emphasizes that Karlsruhe has the highest density of outdoor swimming pools in Germany. Nevertheless, a survey shows that over half of the indoor swimming pools in the entire Federal Republic are in a dilapidated condition. Most operators complain about insufficient funding to carry out the urgently needed renovations.

The uncertainty remains

The future of the Rheinstrandbad is getting closer, with no clear perspective in sight. Mayor Melchien assures us that no permanent closure is being considered, but how realistic is a partial opening during the renovation? Pool operations manager Sternagel points out the high cost structure and the required personnel effort, which could make such a solution a challenge.

The local council now has the opportunity to decide on how to proceed before Christmas. Given that the Rheinstrandbad is just one of many other items on the city's temporary cross-list, it remains to be seen what will happen next for one of Karlsruhe's most popular resorts. The city is faced with the challenge of finding the balance between financial necessity and maintaining social facilities - a task that must be mastered.