Rostock's Sports Development Planning 2026 – A New Direction for Movement and Sports in the Hanseatic City

Rostock strengthens sports policy with integrated development planning

Movement and sports play a central role in the quality of life of Rostock's population. In March 2026, the Hanseatic city will set a milestone in municipal sports policy with the implementation of its first integrated sports development plan. The goal is a demand-oriented, inclusive, and sustainable development of sports and movement structures. The planning is not only a planning instrument but also a strategic steering mechanism for future decisions and investments.

Participation and data as the basis for planning

The sports development plan is based on a comprehensive study by the Institute for Municipal Sports Development (INSPO), created through a collaborative and participatory process. A representative survey of 10,800 residents, as well as online surveys of sports clubs, schools, and kindergartens, have significantly shaped the planning. The results of the status and needs analyses were presented to a planning group, and in workshops, concrete action proposals were developed and prioritized.

Rostock's population structure shows an interesting picture: membership growth among children and young people, as well as an increasing number of older people. At the same time, middle-aged groups are slightly declining. The activity rate is at an impressive 86%, significantly above the national average. Particularly noteworthy is the high participation of people with disabilities and the strong interest in movement among previously inactive population groups.

Three areas of action for the future

The Mayor will develop recommendations for three central areas of action:

1. Target groups, offerings, and organizational structures: The focus is on improving offerings for all age groups, especially children, young people, and older adults. Non-club-related activities are gaining increasing importance, so new approaches will also be explored in this area.

2. Communication, cooperation, and networks: The focus is on strengthening partnerships between clubs, schools, kindergartens, and the city. Better networking should increase the transparency and reach of sports offerings.

3. Spatial infrastructure and sports opportunities: A central challenge is closing gaps in the supply of sports facilities. For example, there is a high demand for uncovered sports fields in Lütten Klein. In the Rostock northwest area, a new swimming hall is planned, located around the Hamburg Tor/IGA Park area. A new status update is planned for May 2026.

These areas of action are not isolated, but interconnected. They form a bridge between the existing sports landscape and the future needs of the population.

Financial implications and future investments

The sports development plan has direct implications for areas such as sports facility development planning, sports sponsorship, and fee regulations. In March 2026, the renovation of the Rostock Ice Hall (Schillingallee 51) will be in focus. With a budget of up to 1.5 million euros, an extensive negotiation procedure with a participation competition is planned. The renovation includes electrical installations, safety lighting, the exterior façade, and open spaces. This shows how concrete the planning is already being implemented.

Outlook: A forward-looking steering instrument

The integrated sports development plan is not a static document, but a guide that is updated every ten years and submitted to the city council for approval. The plan is also a basis for sports policy decisions and investments in sports infrastructure. It enables targeted use of resources and long-term goals.

In the future, Rostock will not only monitor the development of sports facilities but also strengthen the trend toward non-club-related activities. With this plan, the city has chosen a clear course: sports is not only a leisure activity, but a central building block for health, inclusion, and social participation.