Aarschot (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The new natural swimming pond in Park Schoonhoven, Aarschot, drew 6,300 visitors in its first month. Mayor Gwendolyn Rutten calls it a test season; locals pay less, visitors €10–15.
As VRT News reported, the new natural swimming pond in Park Schoonhoven in Aarschot, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, drew about 6,300 visitors in the first month. Mayor Gwendolyn Rutten said,
“It took a lot of effort, but a month ago, the swimming pond was finally ready. Luckily, we could open just as summer began.”
She mentioned that for Aarschot, the pond fills a gap the city had felt for years, giving locals a safe and inviting place to swim outside. Instead of driving to other towns for lakes or pools, people can now stay close to home.
“We didn’t know what to expect, but we’re very happy with the opening month,”
says Rutten.
“The weather wasn’t always great, so that could be even better. It remains a test year for us, and we want to learn a lot from it.”
What is happening at Aarschot’s new park, Schoonhoven swimming pond?
Most people using the new swimming pond are from Aarschot, just as the city had planned. The pond is open to everyone, but it was mainly made for locals. People from Aarschot pay less to swim because they already support the project through their taxes. Visitors from other towns pay a little more.
Many people are talking online about the price to swim at the new pond in Aarschot. A lot of people on social media are expressing their views regarding swimming in the new pond in Aarschot. People from adjacent municipalities were charged €10, and those farther away pay €15 for a ticket.
Mayor Gwendolyn Rutten commented that it is fair pricing and that the pond was primarily intended for residents living in the area. She also pointed out that this is the first year the pond is open and called it a trial season. Rutten said the city will look at all the feedback and decide after the summer if changes need to be made.
“I have to knock on wood, but we haven’t had any problems yet,”
says the mayor.
“We have clear regulations and have also installed cameras, but they haven’t proven necessary yet. Should they become necessary, we are, of course, ready.”
The city is also looking at safety after the new swimming pool opened. Officials mentioned that open water often brings problems, and there was already an incident in the first days. A 22‑year‑old man got into trouble in the water and had to be revived.
Lifeguards reacted fast, and he was fine. Mayor Gwendolyn Rutten said accidents like this can happen, but there is no need to worry. Cameras now watch the area, and rescuers are on site every day to keep the pond safe for visitors.
Work on the swimming pond in Park Schoonhoven started many months before the opening, with planning going back even further. The city first discussed the idea several years ago as part of a plan to give Aarschot more green leisure spaces.
Construction teams began preparing the site last year, shaping the pond, installing the natural filtration system, and creating safe swimming zones. By spring this year, the final touches, like walkways, safety measures, and signage, were added.
