Nordhorn: Sports Policy in Focus – Changes in Hall Usage and Funding

Nordhorn and the Future of Sports: What is Changing?

Sports are not only a leisure activity in Nordhorn, but a central part of the social infrastructure. In February 2026, the Sports Committee addressed several key topics, including the adaptation of the indoor hall usage regulations and the promotion of sports programs for seniors. These measures reflect the challenges posed by increasing demand, rising costs, and the evolving social structure.

Revision of the Indoor Hall Usage Regulations: More Clarity, Less Private Use

The city of Nordhorn plans to revise the fee and indoor hall usage regulations. At the center is the adjustment of fees to rising operating costs and the improvement of transparency. Existing regulations are considered outdated, and the new rules aim to establish clear guidelines for the use of municipal halls.

A central element of the change is the exclusion of private use. Private events such as children's birthday parties will no longer be permitted in the halls in the future. Instead, sports clubs and non-profit organizations will be given priority for hall allocation. The regulations also govern usage times, the required qualifications of instructors, and the obligation to record usage in the booking log.

The fees themselves are newly structured:

• Sports Halls: 12.50 € per hour
• Gymnasium Halls: 10.00 € per hour
• Small Gymnasium Halls: 7.50 € per hour

This adjustment is intended to help use municipal resources sustainably while at the same time regulating the financial burden on clubs.

Sports Funding: Support for Clubs and Physical Activities

In addition to the hall policy, sports funding was also in the spotlight. In 2025, a total of 21,111.92 € in grants were awarded to Nordhorn clubs. Examples of funded projects include the purchase of table tennis equipment, air tricks, bowling sets, lawn tractors, and even school horses.

In addition, a new funding concept was discussed: the funding pool "Generations in Motion" with a planned amount of 10,000 €. The goal is to strengthen physical activity programs in nursing and care homes. Activities such as gymnastics, Nordic Walking, or yoga are intended to promote health, mobility, and social participation. However, the administration rejects the new funding pool, as it considers existing funding sufficient.

Nordhorn in Detail: Halls, Usage Times and the Sports Club Landscape

Nordhorn has a variety of gymnasium and sports halls that can be used daily from 08:00 to 22:00. The halls are generally closed during the summer and Christmas holidays, but three halls are available for club sports on application. An overview of the most important halls:

• Sports Hall OBS Deegfeld: 27 x 45 m = 1,215 m²
• Gymnasium Hall ALMA: 14 x 28 m = 392 m²
• Gymnasium Hall GS Stadtflur: 15 x 27 m = 405 m²
• Gymnasium Hall GS Südblanke: 15 x 27 m = 405 m²

These rooms are not only important for club sports, but also for competition preparations and special events. The latter, however, require a permit and additional costs for cleaning and supervision.

Outlook: What's Next for Sports Policy in Nordhorn?

The planned changes show that Nordhorn is trying to keep pace with the growing demand for sports facilities. At the same time, it is trying to ensure financial sustainability. Whether the funding pool "Generations in Motion" will ultimately be implemented remains to be seen – but the discussion clearly shows that the needs of older people in sports are also being considered.

In the coming months, it will depend on whether the new regulations work in practice and whether clubs and citizens accept the changes. The city of Nordhorn has shown with these measures that it is ready to actively engage with the challenges of modern sports policy.