Phase 1 of Aquatopia, the brand new swimming pool in Aalst, officially inaugurated

With the Raymond-bath (50-meter pool), the Ilse-bath (25-35-meter pool) with movable floors, a triathlon room, diving towers of 1, 3 and 5 m height and a drowning person detection system, Aquatopia is the latest sports gem in the Aalst sports heritage. “Thanks to its variety of facilities, we can call Aquatopia one of the most versatile sports pools in Flanders. Next year we will add an extensive fun section. A large children's paradise with more than 200 meters of slides will make Aquatopia an attraction for young and old, sporty and recreational,” said Alderman of Sport Matthias De Ridder (N-VA). “There is an absolute shortage of swimming pools,” says Flemish Minister of Sport Ben Weyts. “That is why we have gathered all resources to make extra efforts for swimming pools that are accessible to everyone. Fortunately, Aalst supports this and the municipal council also makes a substantial contribution.

Ilse Uyttersprot

“The entire process to create a new swimming pool in Aalst was started by the late Alderman of Sport Ilse Uyttersprot. Without her, the complex might have looked completely different. Unfortunately, she was unable to witness the opening of the new pool complex. As a tribute, she was included on the inauguration plate. Ilse is symbolically mentioned next to her father, Raymond, who inaugurated the old urban swimming pool in 1984 as mayor at the time. The two pools were therefore named after the two politicians, who played an important role in the history of the swimming pool in Aalst,” says Matthias De Ridder.

Phase 2

The next project for Vita Group, part of the Cordeel Group, is phase 2 of Aquatopia with, among other things, a fast slide with light effects (94m), a slower slide more suitable for families and smaller children (86m), a group slide of no less than 4 meters wide and for the little ones, several smaller slides with a total length of 35 meters are provided in different shapes and lengths. In addition, phase 2 also has an instruction pool with a movable floor for aqua fitness and to teach children to swim, and a multifunctional sports hall. The opening of phase 2 is planned for autumn 2022.

Source: AALST SPORT