Opava plans a new aquacenter, construction will start at the turn of 2028 and 2029

Opava - The Opava city hall is looking for a company to prepare documentation for a new aquacenter in the City Gardens. The preparations for the project were complicated by the floods two years ago, after which the municipality focused more on dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. Construction is expected to begin around the turn of 2028 and 2029. Martin Kůs from the city hall's press department told ČTK. The new aquapark is expected to be designed in an African style and could be named after Joy Adamson, a local born author and animal rights advocate.

"We had to slow down the preparations in 2024 due to the floods that disrupted the original schedule," Kůs stated. Last year, the city began searching for a contractor for the project documentation. The company is already known, and administrative steps related to the signing of the contract are currently being finalized. "Compared to the original expectations, there is a shift in the schedule, and the start of construction is now anticipated around the turn of 2028 and 2029, depending on the progress of the design preparation and the city's financial capabilities," he added.

According to Kůs, Opava is significantly lacking a quality indoor pool or aquapark. Local residents have to travel to surrounding towns like Kravaře, Bruntál, or Ratiboř. The existing city baths are outdated and do not meet the needs of the 21st century. Therefore, the city plans to build a new aquacenter in the City Gardens, next to the summer swimming pool.

The complex will be designed as a modern passive building that is energy-efficient and cheaper to operate. The architectural concept draws inspiration from natural and African motifs. The area is expected to include an eight-lane pool, water slides, a sauna world, and a zone with hot tubs. According to Mayor Tomáš Navrátil (ANO), an annual attendance of approximately 250,000 to 380,000 people can be expected.

The current pool is expected to remain in operation until the new aquapark opens. Its future will be decided by then. The existing Opava pool is almost in the city center, and some residents are unhappy with its relocation to the outskirts. They are concerned about reduced accessibility. Others, however, welcome the move from a busy street to a quieter area.