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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Outdoor Swimming Season Kicks Off in Flemish Brabant Amid Sunny Skies

From VRT NWS · (12m ago) Dutch Positive tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Outdoor swimming season in Flemish Brabant has begun with sunny weather and temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, attracting many visitors.
  • Several locations, including 'de Plas' in Rotselaar, Halve Maan in Diest, and Schoonhoven in Aarschot, have opened their pools and beaches.
  • Sport Vlaanderen in Hofstade saw over 3,200 visitors by mid-afternoon, with various swimming and recreational facilities available.

The summer swimming season has officially kicked off in Flemish Brabant, much to the delight of residents eager to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures. With the mercury hitting 25 degrees Celsius, many flocked to the region's popular outdoor swimming spots, embracing the holiday atmosphere close to home.

Bij mooi weer is zwemzone ‘de Plas’ heel populair en gekend in de brede regio. Als gemeente zetten we bewust in op zwemmen in open lucht, in deze prachtige groene omgeving. Het geeft inwoners een vakantiegevoel dicht bij huis.

— Patrick VervoortSchepen van Recreatiedomeinen Patrick Vervoort highlights the popularity of 'de Plas' and the municipality's focus on promoting outdoor swimming.

'De Plas' in Rotselaar, a beloved spot known for its green spaces and sandy beach, opened exceptionally early on May 1st. This initiative by the municipality aims to provide an accessible 'vacation feeling' for its inhabitants. The early opening, facilitated by new sand and updated facilities, underscores the local government's commitment to promoting outdoor recreation.

Other key destinations like the Halve Maan in Diest and the Schoonhoven domain in Aarschot have also welcomed swimmers. While the water at Halve Maan is still a brisk 15 degrees, the beautiful weather made it a refreshing experience for the hundreds who turned up. The opening of BAR314, a new summer bar at 'de Plas', further enhances the appeal of these recreational areas.

Het goede weer zorgt ervoor dat zwemzone ‘de Plas’ al op 1 mei opent, dat is nog nooit zo vroeg gebeurd. De redders en toezichters zijn er klaar voor. En ook de strandzone ligt er piekfijn bij, want er werd nieuw zand aangebracht.

— Patrick VervoortPatrick Vervoort explains the early opening of 'de Plas' due to good weather and the preparation of the facilities.

Sport Vlaanderen in Hofstade proved to be a major draw, with over 3,200 visitors by mid-afternoon. Its expansive beach and water features cater to all ages, offering dedicated lanes for serious swimmers and ample space for families. The early start to the season, combined with accessible pricing for residents and discounts for cyclists, ensures these public domains remain vibrant hubs of activity throughout the summer.

Het water is wel nog fris, het is 15 graden. Maar het is prachtig weer en lekker verfrissend. Er zijn al 500 tickets verkocht voor vandaag, het zal wel aardig vollopen.

— Ann SchevenelsAnn Schevenels, deputy for provincial domains, comments on the water temperature and visitor numbers at Halve Maan in Diest.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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