Groningen’s New City Park Swimming Pond Opens Just in Time for Summer
With tropical weather on the way, the newly opened Springervijver in the Stadspark offers a fresh outdoor swimming option for experienced swimmers, officially open until at least June 2026.
A long-awaited natural swimming spot in Groningen has officially opened in the Springervijver, located in the heart of the City Park (Stadspark). Although swimmers had already begun using the pond in the days before, the municipality officially designated the area as a public swimming location this Wednesday.
A Natural Alternative in the City
The swimming area — 100 meters long and 20 meters wide — is clearly marked off with buoys. Swimming is permitted only from the quay at the Stadsparkpaviljoen or via two floating jetties equipped with steps for easy access. Three rest buoys float in the water for mid-swim breaks. Dogs are not allowed, and jumping into the water from the grass is prohibited to protect nature.
No changing facilities are available on-site, so swimmers are advised to arrive ready or use other park areas to change.
Trial Year and Green Ambitions
This new spot is part of a one-year pilot, lasting until June 18, 2026, and was created following an initiative by GroenLinks council members Ceciel Nieuwenhout and Peter Swart. Their proposal, backed by several other factions in the city council, came in response to a long-standing lack of accessible and safe outdoor swimming locations in Groningen.
“Two years ago, we saw there was too little swimming water in the city,” said Nieuwenhout. “In summer, places like the Stadsstrand and Noorderplantsoen get overcrowded or face water quality issues like swimmer’s itch and blue-green algae. That’s why expansion to the Stadspark was urgent.”
Just in Time for the Heat
The launch coincides with a forecast of tropical temperatures this weekend, making it an ideal time for residents to try out the new facility. Last weekend already saw enthusiastic swimmers flocking to the pond.
Councillor Peter Swart called it “a beautiful new gem,” adding, “With summers getting warmer, we need more places to cool off. Children love swimming, and so do adults. This adds much-needed space.”
As the trial progresses, the municipality will evaluate the pond's use and safety to decide whether to make the swimming zone a permanent feature in the park.
