70 years of Ostbad

The Jena swimming and leisure company had more guests than at an Indian wedding yesterday, Thursday, 25.07.2024. Together with 1,700 outdoor pool fans, it celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Ostbad in glorious sunshine and summer temperatures of over 25 degrees.

At the anniversary press conference, Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche said:

"As a regular swimmer in the Ostbad, I am very grateful that we in Jena have this beautiful place for our citizens to relax, unwind and cool off. We have continuously invested in its maintenance through regular repairs and modernization. We can be proud of the pool landscape in Jena, which offers something for everyone, from leisure to sports swimming."

Since its opening on 25.07.1954, the outdoor pool at the foot of the Jenzig has undergone many changes and renovations. From its construction with volunteers from the "Nationales Aufbauwerk" to the extensive complete renovation in 2012 and the continuous improvements in the following years - the Ostbad has constantly evolved. With the modernization of the sanitary facilities, the renovated playground and the expanded catering concept in the kiosk just this year, the Jena swimming pools offer their guests an attractive outdoor pool experience every summer. Year after year, the staff work to improve and beautify the outdoor pool for visitors.

Susan Zetzmann, Managing Director of Jenaer Bäder, said:

"We sincerely thank everyone who has been involved in the development and success of the Ostbad - be it through their voluntary work during construction, their investment in the renovations, their many hours of swimming supervision at the poolside or their support as loyal guests. Together, we have made the Ostbad what it is today: a place of relaxation, community and summer fun."

The anniversary celebration offered a colorful program for the whole family. Admission was a symbolic 70 cents for adults, while children up to the age of 14 were admitted free of charge. All the activities were met with great enthusiasm, be it yoga, water games, a visit from Neptune, puppet theater, aquabalance courses, the beach volleyball tournament or the after-work disco with DJ Smoking Joe. The unique atmosphere of the Ostbad was also palpable on the anniversary day and made this day a special experience.

Greetings from anniversary guests:

Benjamin Koppe, head of the sports department and chairman of the pool advisory board:

"Swimming is one of the most popular sports among all age groups in Jena and is practiced regularly by 17 percent of the population. Our most recent population survey on sports development planning shows that swimming is very important in popular sports. The Ostbad in particular attracts many families with its baby pool, slide and diverse play options and plays a central role in children's basic sports training. With its 50-meter lane, it also offers ideal training conditions for club athletes. The Ostbad is one of the most important sports and leisure facilities in our city and promotes not only health, but also community and togetherness. From the point of view of the pool advisory board, it should be pointed out, especially in view of the anniversary, that the pool landscape in Jena is unparalleled among numerous municipalities."

Tobias Wolfrum, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Jena:

"Jenaer Bäder und Freizeitgesellschaft is an essential part of the Stadtwerke Jena Group. It makes a significant contribution to enriching the leisure and recreation facilities in our city. Outdoor swimming pools, such as the Südbad and Ostbad, are not only places of recreation, but also important in the provision of basic necessities as well as for economic and social factors. They promote people's health, provide jobs and contribute to the quality of life in Jena. We look back on 70 years of Ostbad with joy and pride and look forward to many more years of beautiful summer days and unforgettable moments in this wonderful outdoor pool."

Bastian Stein, Mayor of the Wenigenjena district:

"The Ostbad is an important part of our community in Wenigenjena and beyond, connecting life stories for seven decades now. From the memories of older citizens who witnessed its construction to the experiences of the youngest generation - people have lived, swum and laughed together here. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making the Ostbad a place of recreation and cohesion and will continue to do so in the future."