Rising costs strain the operation of the Forest Swimming Pool in Offenbach
Offenbach's Waldschwimmbad Faces Increased Costs, City Boosts Subsidies
In a bid to maintain the operational excellence of the Waldschwimmbad in Offenbach, the municipal sports and leisure GmbH Offenbach (SFO) has taken over the management of the facility since September 1, 2024. This move is in response to the escalating costs that have surpassed the initially budgeted 1.85 million euros for 2024.
The city highlights the significant role of the Waldschwimmbad, not just as a public recreation spot, but also as a vital venue for school swimming lessons. The increased costs are attributed to various factors, including unexpected repairs, higher personnel costs, and increased energy consumption.
The energy consumption for electricity has risen by 36 percent, while district heating consumption has increased by 23 percent. The city has also incurred costs for the outsourcing of pool operation and the transfer of the property back to the city.
One of the major cost drivers is the need for higher personnel costs, with three new full-time positions being created to meet security requirements and legal regulations. Another significant factor is the change in the cleaning service provider, necessitated by the previous one no longer meeting legal hygiene requirements. This shift has led to a substantial increase in cleaning costs from 94,000 euros to 166,000 euros per year.
In an effort to alleviate the burden on the municipal budget, state funding will be utilised for the modernization of the swimming pool. Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke emphasised that the operation of the swimming pool cannot be financed solely from entrance fees and requires traditional financial support from the city.
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Meanwhile, the city is facing an increased subsidy requirement of 640,000 euros for the operation of the Rosenhöhe forest swimming pool in 2024, primarily due to underestimated budget requirements and rising costs.
Looking ahead, a gradual modernization of the swimming pool is planned in the long term. Maintaining the operation of the Waldschwimmbad remains a high priority, according to Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke.
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