School swimming pool in Mechelen to open for clubs, easing water shortage

The swimming pool at Sint-Romboutscollege in Mechelen, Belgium, will become accessible to local swimming clubs starting next school year, following an agreement between the school and the city. This initiative aims to help alleviate the significant shortage of swimming water available for sports clubs in the region.

Under the agreement, swimming clubs will be able to use the school's pool during weekends, school holidays, and other times when it is not being used for educational purposes. In return, the school will receive €150,000 to cover the period from 2026 to 2030. City officials described the arrangement as a "win-win for all partners," emphasizing its role in addressing the growing demand for swimming facilities, especially after the permanent closure of the outdated Geerdegemvaart swimming pool.

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This is evident no solution for the shortage of extra swimming water, but it is a nice new step in more efficient management of swimming water and indoor infrastructure.

Abdrahman Labsir, the city's alderman for sport, highlighted that while this doesn't solve the overall shortage, it represents a positive step toward more efficient management of swimming water and indoor infrastructure. The city is also proceeding with plans to deploy four mobile swimming pools, which are quickly deployable covered halls, aiming for installation by September, pending procedural approvals.

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The school swimming pool is a bit deeper, which is necessary for some clubs.

Labsir further noted that the school's pool offers an advantage due to its depth, which is crucial for certain clubs. This collaboration is part of Mechelen's broader school sports project, which encourages schools to open their sports facilities to clubs outside of regular class hours. The Sint-Romboutscollege already collaborates with the city on managing the Paardenstraatje sports hall, and the swimming pool marks the first aquatic facility included in this project.

Karel Van Butsel, chairman of the school's board, expressed the school's willingness to contribute, stating that both their students and the visiting club members will benefit from the facility. The arrangement ensures that the clubs can fully utilize the school's infrastructure.

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This is an effort that we at Sint-Romboutscollege gladly undertake. Just like our students and those of other schools who come here to swim, the clubs will be able to fully enjoy our infrastructure.