Costly urban development: Oberkochen unveils Kocherbad, the priciest building venture in town.
Oberkochen, Ostalb District Prepares to Open Million-Dollar Indoor Pool
Oberkochen city officials have announced the upcoming opening of the Kocher Bath, a modern swimming facility that forms part of the new sports center "Schwörz". The project, which cost 38 million euros, marks the largest and most expensive construction endeavor in the city's history.
Following a lengthy construction phase, public swimming will begin at the Kocher Bath on Tuesday, March 19. The indoor pool is a significant addition to the city, offering numerous amenities designed to cater to swimmers of all ages and abilities.
The swimming club Oberkochen has expressed excited anticipation for its new home. Club representative Nico Köchel said, "Everyone is eager to venture into the water. The children, coaches, and entire families are bursting with enthusiasm." The facility offers a 25-meter pool with four lanes, an aqua-cross zone, a multifunctional pool with jets and whirlpools, a paddling pool with a slide for young swimmers, and a wellness area featuring saunas and steam baths. In the summer, the facade of the bath can be opened to utilize the pool as a covered outdoor facility.
Mayor Peter Traub (Free Voters) lauded the new bath as a jewel for Oberkochen, with the city enjoying financial stability due to the presence of major companies like Zeiss and Leitz. According to Traub, the decision to invest in the Kocher Bath did not require financial consideration due to the city's strong financial position.
Swimming facilities nationwide have faced challenges in recent years, with closures becoming increasingly common. However, Oberkochen is not an exception, but rather an example, as the city seeks to revitalize and expand its recreational offerings. The German Society for Bathing (DGfdB) corroborated this trend, noting that financial and personnel challenges remain pervasive for many baths.
The predecessor of the Kocher Bath, the "aquafit," has left fond memories for many in the community. The old facility served as a home for generations of swimmers, and although Köchel admitted to still feeling nostalgic, the community has moved forward in anticipation of the new pool's opening. City officials have plans to demolish the aquafit pool and reclaim the space for an additional sports hall, benefiting schools and sports clubs.
The ambitious Kocher Bath project, a significant investment in Oberkochen's sports and recreation sector, has captured the attention of the general-news world, with technology potentially playing a role in optimizing its facilities for the benefit of its patrons. As Mayor Peter Traub expresses his pride in Oberkochen's financial viability, deriving from key companies like Zeiss and Leitz, the new swimming facility stands as a symbol of the city's commitment to providing top-tier amenities, even amidst the financial struggles faced by swimming facilities across the nation.
