Jena, May 21, 2026 – The city council faction Die Linke is demanding a significant extension of the daily opening hours at Jena’s Südbad and Ostbad. A new draft resolution aims to ensure that working professionals and families can use the outdoor pools more flexibly during the evening hours.
- Initiative: City council faction Die Linke Jena (City Councilor Ralph Lenkert)
- Affected pools: Südbad (Schleichersee) and Ostbad
- Status quo: Closing as early as 18:00
- Demand from June: Open daily until 20:00
- Demand summer holidays: Open daily until 21:00
Criticism of early closure at 18:00
According to the Die Linke faction, the current regulation of closing the outdoor pools as early as 18:00 is no longer up to date. Especially for working people and families with school-age children, there is hardly any opportunity during the week to take a cooling dip after work. By extending the hours, the attractiveness of the two municipal outdoor pools could be significantly increased.
According to City Councilor Ralph Lenkert, an expanded offering would also attract more visitors, which in turn would benefit the leisure facilities themselves. The corresponding draft resolution is to be discussed in the city council and ideally implemented in time for the start of the summer month of June.
Background on Jena’s pool landscape
The two affected outdoor pools are among the most important local recreation areas in the Jena city area. The Südbad, idyllically located at the Schleichersee, directly borders the popular Paradiespark and is traditionally a central meeting point for athletes and families. It can be reached quickly via the Stadtrodaer Straße (B88) as well as tram lines 1 and 5 (stop “Sportforum”).
The Ostbad is located at the foot of the Jenzig and looks back on a history spanning decades. It was established as a classic public bath as early as the mid-20th century and primarily attracts residents from the eastern districts as well as students. It can be reached via Karl-Liebknecht-Straße and the bus lines of the Jenaer Nahverkehr.
Source:
Linke fordert längere Öffnungszeiten für Freibäder
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.