Communities Launch Petition for Preservation of Their Swimming Pools - Thuringia fights to save its struggling public swimming pools from closure
Local authorities in Thuringia have launched a petition to prevent the closure of public swimming pools. The campaign, called Pools in Crisis, warns that many facilities face shutdowns due to a severe lack of funding. Organisers are now pushing for a public hearing to address the issue before the state’s Petitions Committee.
The petition demands €30 million in annual funding for all swimming pools, regardless of location or size. Under the current budget draft, only €8 million will be available in 2026, with allocations shrinking to €6 million the following year. These limited funds are also restricted to smaller municipalities with fewer than 15,000 residents, leaving larger towns without support.
The petition aims to collect 1,500 signatures to force a discussion in the Petitions Committee. If successful, it could lead to a review of the budget’s swimming pool allocations. Without additional funding, organisers warn that several public pools in Thuringia will be forced to shut down.
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