Even if the weather is still a little unstable, the outdoor pool season is definitely starting. On Saturday, 15 May 2004, at 9 a.m., the starting signal will be given for this year's season at the Ringallee outdoor pool: the Stadtwerke Gießen AG (SWG) outdoor pool will open its gates again. The facility will be open to bathers every day until 8 pm until September. The water is let in and heated to a cosy 22 degrees. The SWG staff put the finishing touches to the sunbathing lawns days ago. This means that the preparations are complete and the summer can begin. SWG used the winter break to give some of the outdoor pool facilities a new lease of life. The plant beds have now been replanted and one of the existing children's seesaws has also been renovated. In addition, there is now a separate first-aid room where the men's shower used to be. This has been moved to the first floor, above the kiosk. In the final spurt of preparations, the SWG employees thoroughly cleaned the pools and spruced up the outdoor facilities.
Admission prices have remained stable compared to last year, reported Wolfgang Wondra, head of SWG's swimming pool department. The single ticket costs a standardised two euros. The price for a five-person ticket is eight euros. Adults pay 56 euros for a season ticket, children and other authorised persons 28 euros. The family ticket costs 112 euros. This year, the Stadtwerke will once again be offering its bathing guests early swimming. Those who wish to do so and purchase an early swimmer ticket in addition to their season ticket can get into the cold water from 7 am.
During the summer holidays, Stadtwerke will once again be organising camps for children aged 9 to 14 at the Ringallee bathing centre. The programme promises plenty of variety. In addition to activities such as beach volleyball and football, SWG is offering an excursion and a night hike. There are four dates to choose from, the price is 77 euros including accommodation in a tent and three meals a day. Anyone interested can call 0641 708-1411 for more information or to register.
The next few days will decide when the two other open-air swimming pools of the Stadtwerke in Lützellinden and Kleinlinden will open. Anyone who still has questions can call the SWG service hotline on 0180 22 11 100.