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The state of Hesse is supporting the renovation of the swimming pool with 314,100 euros
The town of Riedstadt, associated with the author Büchner, is receiving financial support from the state of Hesse for the complete renovation of the swimming pool at the Goddelau outdoor swimming pool. Hesse's Minister of Sport, Diana Stolz, personally presented the grant notification to Mayor Marcus Kretschmann . The funding, amounting to €314,100, comes from the state of Hesse's SWIMplus program.
Those present at the meeting included Ines Claus , member of the state parliament for the constituency, as well as representatives of the city administration and the outdoor swimming pool.
"This is a blessing for us."
Mayor Marcus Kretschmann described it as an important signal for the town. As a financially strained municipality, Riedstadt could not manage the urgently needed renovation of the swimming pool without this funding. The Goddelau outdoor pool is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and is considered unique because it operates without chlorine. The water is treated using the pollutant-free Baxero process, which is gentle on the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
In recent years, the children's pool and the non-swimmer's pool have already been renovated. Now, the last large pool to undergo renovation is the swimming pool. The existing liner is visibly showing its age and has required regular repairs. The renovation is scheduled to begin after the end of the swimming season in autumn.
Importance of swimming pools for municipalities
Sports Minister Diana Stolz emphasized the role of municipal swimming pools as important venues for sport and community interaction. Swimming pools are the most expensive sports facilities for cities and towns, yet they are of central importance for health, participation, and safety. Swimming is accessible to all generations and is one of the most important sports for preventing water-related accidents.
She launched the SWIMplus program at the beginning of her term as a further development of the earlier SWIM program. Within two years, around 50 projects nationwide have already been funded.
The outdoor swimming pool as the center of city life
State Parliament member Ines Claus also emphasized the importance of the Goddelau outdoor swimming pool and thanked in particular the active support association and the volunteers. She stated that the pool is a central meeting place and a place that fosters a sense of identity for the district.
The 2026 swimming season will open on Saturday, May 16th, with a grand swimming pool festival. The 70th anniversary of the outdoor pool will also be celebrated. Numerous interactive activities are planned, as well as a photo exhibition on the history of the pool. Historical photos can be submitted Uwe Tresch
(Riedstadt - Red/PSR)
Featured image: Baths manager Uwe Tresch, head of real estate management Inna Wedel, member of the state parliament Ines Claus, state minister Diana Stolz, mayor Marcus Kretschmann and Alexander Schaper, head of the finance department (from left) at the handover of the grant notification. Photo: City of Riedstadt
