Key Information at a Glance
- Action: Statewide petition “Bäder in Not”
- Goal: Demands to the Thüringer state government to preserve indoor swimming pools
- Deadline: Signing possible until March 2, 2026
- Action Day: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Platform: Online petition at the Thüringer Landtag
Jena. It is a cry for help currently echoing through all of Thüringen and receiving loud support in Jena. Under the title “Bäder in Not”, a statewide initiative has launched a petition to the Thüringer state government. The goal is to draw attention to the precarious situation of many indoor pools in the Free State and to demand political support for their preservation and renovation. Jenaer Bädergesellschaft, operator of the GalaxSea leisure pool and the sports swimming hall, among others, is actively supporting the campaign.
Background: Why the pools are sounding the alarm
The situation of many municipal pools is tense. Although the current appeal from Stadtwerke Jena does not mention specific operating figures for local facilities, industry-wide problems are well known: increased energy costs, staff shortages, and, above all, a massive renovation backlog are causing trouble for many operators. Indoor swimming pools are not profit-making enterprises but part of public services. They are essential for school sports, club swimming, and the public’s health care. Without financial support from the state, closures or massive operational restrictions are looming in some Thüringer municipalities.
The petition aims to increase pressure on politicians to develop sustainable funding concepts that secure the long-term operation of water surfaces. Especially against the backdrop of declining swimming abilities among children, the preservation of every single water surface is of social relevance.
How Jena citizens can provide support
The petition has been officially submitted to the Thüringer Landtag and can be signed until March 2, 2026. Participation is possible both digitally and analogously, with the focus on online signing via the petition platform of the Landtag.
To give the demand even more emphasis, the organizers are planning a Thüringen-wide action day for the coming Wednesday, February 25, 2026. On this day, participating pools – including presumably the facilities of Jenaer Bäder – will provide increased information about the content and goals of the petition.
Participation is voluntary
Jenaer Bäder points out that participation in the petition is, of course, voluntary. However, those who wish to advocate for the preservation of the local swimming infrastructure can find the direct link to sign on the website of Stadtwerke Jena or directly in the portal of the Thüringer Landtag. It is an opportunity for civil society to directly influence the prioritization of state policy and to stand up for the preservation of sports and leisure facilities.
Sources:
Original
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.