Despite financial challenges, municipalities in Germany are maintaining a broad range of sporting facilities. A recent survey conducted by the German Institute for Urban Affairs on behalf of KfW reveals that 94% of municipalities had indoor sports arenas and 92% had sports grounds in 2024. Over half offered outdoor pools, while 46% provided indoor pools. Notably, two-thirds of municipalities have maintained the number of their indoor sports arenas or sports grounds over the past decade, with about a quarter even constructing new ones.
The survey also indicates that since 2014, 60% of municipalities have increased the number of their indoor pools and 54% have expanded their outdoor pool offerings. Despite these positive developments, Dr Stefanie Brilon from KfW Research warns that "parts of the municipal sports services are under threat" due to a significant backlog in investment.
According to the findings, severe or considerable underinvestment is noted in indoor sports arenas (59%), indoor pools (62%), and ice rinks (53%). This underinvestment primarily affects building structures, energy efficiency, and technical equipment. Consequently, more than 40% of municipalities report limitations in carrying out individual sports activities due to facility conditions.
Looking ahead, 36% of municipalities fear they may need to reduce sports services in the coming years. This reduction is less pronounced compared to other areas like cultural services, where 41% anticipate cutbacks.
Municipalities expressed concern about potentially having to close an average of 16% of outdoor pools, 15% of ice rinks, and 14% of indoor pools within three years if extensive renovations do not occur. Dr Stefanie Brilon highlights the severity by stating: “The prospect of losing almost one sixth of swimming pools appears to be particularly serious because they are key to learning how to swim."