Aarschot (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Fewer visitors came to Schoonhoven Park’s final swimming day in Aarschot due to cold weather, but locals like Pascalle and Hermien praised the safe pond, open to clubs until December 2025.
As VRT News reported, the final swimming day at Schoonhoven Park in Aarschot, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, had fewer visitors than expected due to the cold weather. Early in the day, the pond was almost empty. Groups of friends sat by the side and only used their legs in the water. 3 women swam steady laps.
A family with children stayed in the shallow part. Several triathletes wore wetsuits to manage the low temperature. More people arrived later in the afternoon, and the park grew busier. Visitors spoke positively about the new swimming pond.
What happened on the last day of swimming at Schoonhoven Park, Aarschot?
Pascalle, 66 years old, from Aarschot, was among the regular visitors at the new swimming pond and also came on the final day of the season. She said she had enjoyed swimming there often during the summer.
“It is very nice and pleasant to swim,”
she explained, adding that the low cost made it easy to return.
She confirmed that she will buy a new membership next season and hopes to come as often as possible.
“I would even like to swim every day,”
she said. For now, she will return to the regular indoor pool until the pond reopens next year.
It’s Eveline’s first time from Heverlee.
“My roommate is a real water rat and convinced me to come along on this last day. It’s beautiful, but a bit chilly for me. I’d prefer to come when it’s 25 degrees Celsius, but that’s what I plan to do. It’s really worth it.”
Hermien also took part in the last swimming day. She is a member of the Osschotse Plonsberen, a local swimming club, and was given the chance to try the facility.
“I had a wonderful time today. It was a bit cold, but still a pleasant swim,”
she said.
Hermien holds a trial membership that lets her swim at the park every Sunday morning until the end of October 2025. After that, the site will remain open only for 2 swimming clubs until the end of the year. She added that she may extend her swimming until December 2025, if conditions allow.
The swimming pond opened earlier this summer in July 2025, as part of a pledge by the new city council. The launch faced delays, but the site was ready for the season. Lifeguards were on duty, and a summer bar was added for families. The city set different entry fees.
Residents of Aarschot paid €5, or they could use a season ticket. People from nearby towns paid €10. Non-residents from outside the area paid €15. Officials mentioned that the season passed without problems. There were no riots, no disturbances, and no irregularities.
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