Thuringia's Public Pools Fight for Survival as 8,000 Sign Petition
A new petition is fighting to save Thuringia's indoor swimming pools from financial strain. The campaign, backed by over 8,000 signatures so far, warns that many public pools risk closure without urgent funding. Organisers stress the vital role these facilities play in health, education, and community life across the region.
The petition, launched under the banner Pools in Crisis, demands sustainable financial support for Thuringia's struggling swimming pools. Over 30 municipal facilities have already joined the initiative, though no pools have yet officially closed. Solewelt, a key site in the campaign, has gathered more than 2,500 signatures alone—nearly a third of the statewide total.
Each year, Thuringia's indoor pools teach around 40,000 children to swim and welcome nearly five million visitors. At Solewelt, weekly aqua fitness and rehab classes attract over 450 participants, while 150 children learn to swim annually. Two local schools also rely on the pool for their swimming lessons.
The petition highlights how pools serve as social hubs, supporting public health, education, and community bonding. Signatures are being collected both in person at Solewelt and online via the Thuringian state parliament's platform. The campaign will run until March 2, with organisers urging more residents to add their names.
Further details, including the full list of participating pools, are available at www.baeder-in-not.de (German only).
With over 8,000 signatures already gathered, the petition aims to push authorities into securing long-term funding for Thuringia's pools. The outcome will determine whether facilities like Solewelt can continue offering essential services to schools, fitness groups, and families. The deadline for signing remains March 2.
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