Germany: Bäderland Hamburg Invests in Accessibility

Bäderland Hamburg GmbH is increasingly investing in barrier-free access in its associated indoor and outdoor swimming pools. In the indoor swimming pool in Rahlstedt, for example, one of six new mobile entry and exit aids is now available. The new all-year-round outdoor pool, which is connected to the existing indoor facility and is set to open directly after the relaxation of the current corona restrictions, was also built in accordance with modern standards of accessibility. In addition, some of the historic swimming pools operated by Bäderland Hamburg could also been equipped with barrier-free access elements such as lifts, so that all guests can use the main pool facilities. The Alster-Schwimmhalle indoor pool will also offer a new level of barrier-free access after its ongoing modernization and will be equipped with a tactile guidance system, among other helpful installations.

“We feel it is our task to maintain and develop a swim sport and leisure offering that is equally accessible and usable for all Hamburg residents,” comments Dirk Schumaier, Managing Director of Bäderland Hamburg. The operating company has optimized its website with functionalities for a precise search for various aspects of accessibility, so that guests can now find out even better in advance which swimming pools are barrier-free, offer appropriately designed sanitary areas or where additional shower wheelchairs are available. A total of 25 of the 29 Bäderland locations are accessible without barriers, nine locations have pool lifts. (eap)