Sports Policy in Oldenburg: Focus on Infrastructure and Inclusion in February 2026

Sports Policy in Oldenburg: Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Planning in February 2026

In February 2026, the City of Oldenburg’s Sports Committee was at the center of sports policy activities. The CDU parliamentary group succeeded in bringing several key topics onto the agenda that could have far-reaching effects on the city’s sporting landscape. The discussions primarily revolved around the expansion of sports infrastructure, inclusion in sports, and the future of sports facilities in the city.

Expansion of Artificial Turf Fields: Planning and Priorities

A central topic was the updating of the priority list for the expansion of artificial turf fields. The CDU parliamentary group proposed that the administration, in cooperation with the City Sports Association, assess the need for additional artificial turf fields and compile a priority list.

The reasoning for this step was clear: artificial turf fields enable year-round use, reduce the burden on natural grass fields, and optimize the utilization of indoor facilities. Politicians and sports associations see a pressing need for additional artificial turf fields, especially in growing neighborhoods and among clubs with high training demands. The Sports Committee approved the proposal, thereby initiating the planning process.

Three-Court Hall at Fliegerhorst: Demand vs. Costs

Another central topic was the construction of a three-court hall at Fliegerhorst. The CDU parliamentary group proposed building a three-court hall instead of a single-court hall, as suggested by the administration.

Fliegerhorst is a growing district with a strong multi-sport profile. The demand for indoor facilities is particularly high there, and the current supply is insufficient to meet the growing needs. However, the administration argued that the costs for a three-court hall (nearly 20 million euros) would be significantly higher than for a single-court hall (around 7 million euros), and that the required capacity for school and club sports could be better addressed by the planned construction of a six-court hall on Kennedystraße.

The discussion reflects the tension between local needs and financial efficiency. The CDU parliamentary group remains committed to the necessity of a three-court hall at Fliegerhorst, while the administration is seeking a solution that aims at a comprehensive concept for sports in Oldenburg.

Sportpark Dornstede: Delays and Climate Protection

The Sportpark Dornstede, a central training center for VfB Oldenburg and other youth teams, was also on the agenda. The CDU parliamentary group inquired about the reasons for the delay in the construction of the new changing rooms building.

The planned construction had already been initiated in the fall of 2023, but the construction start has not yet occurred. The administration now announced that construction will begin in the summer of 2026 and will take approximately one year. The project is budgeted for 750,000 euros in the economic plan of EGH. The project is part of a standard design for several municipal sports facilities and will be climate-friendly, incorporating renewable energy and energy-efficient systems.

The delay in the project highlights the challenges that can arise in the implementation of sports infrastructure projects in the city—from planning to approval and construction supervision.

Inclusion and Safety: Equipping with Defibrillators

Another topic addressed in the Sports Committee was the equipping of municipal sports facilities with defibrillators. The plan is to install defibrillators in 14 municipal sports halls and sports facilities, including all large multi-field halls and sports grounds with multiple football fields or athletics tracks. An additional defibrillator is also planned for the municipal student boathouse at Achterdiek.

The investment in defibrillators is not only a matter of safety but also a step toward inclusion and prevention. The cost of each device is a maximum of 30,000 euros, and the budget for maintenance after 2027 is approximately 1,200 euros per year. In addition, user training is offered to ensure the correct use of the devices in emergencies.

Conclusion: Sports Policy as a Central Building Block for the Future of Oldenburg

February 2026 proved to be an intense chapter in Oldenburg’s sports policy. The discussions in the Sports Committee show that the city is consciously addressing the future of its sports infrastructure. The topics range from the planning of artificial turf fields and the construction of new sports halls to safety and inclusion in sports.

The decisions in the coming weeks and months have the potential to significantly change Oldenburg’s sporting landscape. With a clear focus on inclusion, climate protection, and forward-looking planning, Oldenburg is setting a valuable example that goes beyond sports itself—and enriches the entire urban space.