Diest swimming pool sells out 7 times in June due to heatwave

Diest's Halve Maan provincial domain saw an exceptional June, drawing nearly 30,000 visitors to its swimming facilities amidst a heatwave. The popular outdoor pool reached its maximum capacity on seven separate days, highlighting its appeal during the warm weather.

Beyond the main swimming area, the domain's recreational zones also attracted significant crowds, with close to 13,000 people seeking cooler spots amidst the greenery. The high demand on the hottest days underscored the necessity of the venue's online reservation system, which has been in place for years to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all.

This system, combined with private security and identity checks, has reportedly minimized issues, a contrast to past problems with groups of youths. The success of Diest's approach has led other provincial domains in Flanders to study its reservation model. Visitors from outside the province face a higher entrance fee.

Ann Schevenels, a provincial representative, noted the strong visitor increase due to the favorable weather. She advised visitors to monitor weather forecasts and book tickets in advance, especially on peak days, while assuring that space is often available on merely warm days. Looking ahead, the success reinforces the decision to build a new swimming pool by 2029, with a temporary closure in 2028.