Ten years after the original wave pool closed its doors, the new leisure pool at the Nationaal Zwemcentrum De Tongelreep in Eindhoven has officially opened. A small group of children were the first to jump into the water on Friday morning. The pool will be open to the general public from Friday evening.
The former wave pool closed in 2016 following budget cuts. The path to the new facility involved years of political debate, planning, a failed tender process, and various construction delays. This new recreational site in the southern part of Eindhoven follows the earlier opening of a 50-metre competition pool, a 25-metre pool, and an instruction pool. Visitors can now access the leisure pool, the main entrance hall, and renovated catering areas.
While the new leisure pool contains about one-third of the water volume of the old wave pool, the total amount of swimming water across the entire complex is now greater than it was before the redevelopment.
The city administration stated that the facility is already being used for lane swimming, lessons, and professional training. With the opening of the leisure pool, families can once again enjoy the centre for recreation.
Alderperson (wethouder) Remco van Dooren gave the signal for children to test the water and slides on Friday morning. An official opening ceremony is scheduled for later in the afternoon. Members of the public can use the pool from 18:00 onward. The total cost of the redevelopment of De Tongelreep was approximately €58 million.
NEWS BRAINPORT
