Letter of the day: In Carouge, a swimming pool for everyone!

Chêne-Bougeries, May 27 

It has been 10 years since the project to build an aquatic center was launched in Carouge. He anticipated the needs of a growing population wanting aquatic activities.

Despite a democratic approach including all stakeholders, Municipal Council, citizens and the participation of experts and architects, a successful referendum leads to a vote which will take place on June 9.

The referendums would have liked a 50 meter pool rather than the 25 meter of the project which can be extended to 33 meters for the organization of water polo matches, Carouge having an elite team in this sport. They criticize that the investment will be the sole responsibility of residents of Carouge.

Those responsible for the municipality, in the project, had to integrate constraints of the smallness of the building area and preserve the walking space and trees dear to many walkers.

This project also takes into account all types of population with pools adapted to the practice of swimming but also to the teaching of swimming for children whose number is growing rapidly as well as for people who are looking for the only good -be swimming. An offer for the world.

A 25 meter pool is a regulatory dimension for club swimmers in many competitions which are organized at this length.

The needs are obvious, the population is demanding. The point is not to waste time starting this project. 10 years already passed.

Regarding financing, we must understand that a swimming pool is not a profit center, but a public service. The fact that only the Municipality of Carouge is responsible for the investment means forgetting that users who are not residents of Carouge contribute by paying their entrance fee to the financing of the project, especially as is the case if the price for them is increased compared to residents.

We must no longer wait for this project expected by the population and in total agreement with their expectations and current and future needs.

Gérard Jolimay, president of the Association of Baths and Swimming Pool Users of Geneva

Did you find an error? Please report it to us.

10 comments