The swimming pond in Boekenberg Park in the Antwerp district of Deurne will have extended opening hours during weekends in the summer months. On Saturdays and Sundays, the pond will be open longer to the public. According to Antwerp’s alderman for Sport, Stijn De Rooster (N-VA), the measure aims not only to increase capacity but also to spread visitor numbers more evenly on busy days.
Last season, the swimming pond attracted more than 84,000 visitors. If weather conditions remain favourable, the city expects that number to be matched or even exceeded this year. Although the open-air swimming season only begins on 16 May, the decision to extend weekend opening hours has already been made.
In total, the expansion adds 36 opening hours, roughly equivalent to five additional opening days. The city hopes the change will make the swimming pond as accessible as possible and give visitors more opportunities to enjoy a swim in comfortable and safe conditions.
During the summer months, the pond will open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00, two hours earlier than last season. On Sundays the same hours will apply, allowing visitors to swim one hour longer than before.
According to De Rooster, the longer opening hours will help distribute visitors more evenly throughout the day, particularly on warm days when attendance peaks. By opening earlier and staying open longer, the city aims to increase capacity while also improving comfort for visitors.
The request for longer opening hours has been raised for some time by regular swimmers and recreational visitors. De Rooster notes that many people like to start their weekend with a morning swim.
The swimming pond attracts a diverse public. In addition to regular visitors who come for exercise or relaxation, it also draws recreational swimmers and day-trippers. The extended hours are also expected to make it easier for families with children to plan their visit earlier in the day.
The expanded opening hours are being introduced as a pilot project and will apply only to the Boekenberg swimming pond. If the measure proves successful, the city may retain or further extend the hours in future years.
To make the longer opening hours possible, the working schedules of lifeguards have been adjusted. This ensures that sufficient supervision is maintained at all times and that swimmers’ safety remains guaranteed.
