Oudenaarde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Management at Oudenaarde swimming pool adjusted their rates for all pool users. Sportoase swimming pool group initiated major swimming rate increases when the year began.
The swimming pool facility in Oudenaarde made its rates more accessible for residents due to pricing changes. This year, the Sportoase’s swimming pool group increased rates to the extent that triggered both resident and municipal discontent. The city and Sportoase conducted negotiations, which resulted in updated swimming pool rates that provide lower swimming costs.
Swimming pool organisations Sportoase and LAGO initiated price hikes during the beginning of the year as energy expenses rose alongside material and raw material expenses. Residents in Oudenaarde faced the biggest rate increase, which caused public unrest. Following negotiation, both the city and Sportoase reached an agreement to reduce prices.
According to alderman Natascha De Meulemeester (Open VLD), there has been a constructive discussion with the swimming pool group Sportoase.
“This week, the swimming rates will be adjusted. What is important to us is that lane swimming will become cheaper again. You will then pay the price from before the announced price increase. That means more than 7 euros less and we think that is a good deal.”
Besides lowering prices, Sportoase implemented fresh proposals for swimming activities. The ten-session lane swimming card will cost €35 and serve both local residents and people who live outside Oudenaarde. Another initiative, ‘Senior Time,’ targets flexible swimmers who can visit during the day.
Residents and non-residents can access a group class swim session and wellness activities with coffee in the cafeteria at reduced prices. The multistage subscription provides four months of swimming access for its members, who can utilize ten swims for €105 without any residency restrictions. The city of Oudenaarde, together with Sportoase, will launch new joint activities during the upcoming period.
What is the background behind Oudenaarde’s Swimming Rate Changes?
Sportoase, along with LAGO, boosted their swimming pool rates at various facilities this year, including Oudenaarde, Beveren and Rozebroeken in Ghent, because of increasing energy expenses and material costs. Rates in Oudenaarde rose at the highest level while citizens expressed their displeasure. Oudenaarde City met with Sportoase representatives to solve the matter, which led to a decision to bring swimming prices back to their previous levels. Swimming pools within the area experience ongoing financial difficulties because of energy price volatility and maintenance fee changes.
Both municipalities and private operators collaborate to offer reasonable pool access rates for local inhabitants. The municipal authority of Oudenaarde continues its ongoing pursuit of maintaining operational costs that are reasonably affordable for citizens following recent rate modifications.
