Bonn Sport Policy 2026: Expansion, Modernization and Inclusion in Focus

Bonn Sports Committee approves comprehensive measures for infrastructure and inclusion

In May and June 2026, the Sports Committee of the federal city of Bonn made a variety of decisions that advance sports in Bonn on multiple levels. The focus was on the expansion and modernization of sports facilities, the promotion of sporting events, and the creation of better conditions for volunteer and youth athletes.

Expansion of sports facilities: Bonn-Buschdorf and Brüser Berg

In May 2026, the sports facility in Bonn-Buschdorf was comprehensively expanded. A second artificial turf playing field, a multifunctional small playing field and school sports facilities have been added to meet the growing demand, particularly in view of the planned new residential areas in the region. The floodlighting system has been upgraded to LED lighting, improving energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. The cost of the project was estimated at around 2 million euros, with a maximum grant rate of 25 percent being used from the municipal guidelines.

In addition, a comprehensive renovation was decided for the sports facility in Brüser Berg. Running tracks and athletics facilities will be renewed, stands will be restored and new storage rooms will be built. The option of a covered stand remains part of the planning. These measures aim to enable the use of the facilities throughout the year and to increase their attractiveness for clubs and school sports.

New version of the fee regulation: transparency and fair conditions

Another focus of the Sports Committee was the new version of the fee regulation for the sports use of municipal sports facilities. The new regulation will come into force on 1 July 2026 and provides for an increase in fees by 5 percent for user group B (e.g. non-funded associations) and by 10 percent for user group C. User group A, which mainly includes funded sports associations and public schools, is not affected by the increases. At the same time, a new fee for special services of the sports facility maintenance service was set in order to make the costs for event organizers and staff more transparent.

The expected additional income is around 3,400 euros. These earnings are to be invested in the further development and maintenance of sports facilities.

Promotion of sports events: German Championships in Vert Skateboarding

In addition to infrastructural measures, Bonn also focused on the promotion of sports events. In June 2026, the Sports Committee decided to grant the association SubCulture Bonn e.V. a deficit grant of up to 10,000 euros to organize the German Championships in Vert Skateboarding 2026. The event, which will take place as part of the "Bonn Bash", has been a fixed point in the German skateboarding scene for years and attracts both national and international participants.

The association plans to hold the event in the Rheinaue, where the Bonn Baseball and Softball Club is also based. The city also assures support for the renovation of the baseball stadium, particularly for the softball field and the youth playground. These measures are necessary to meet the licensing conditions of the German Baseball and Softball Association and to ensure the safety of the players.

Inclusive sports policy: free access to swimming pools during the summer holidays

Another significant decision was the so-called "cooperation request" for the free use of municipal swimming pools during the summer holidays of 2026. Children and young people under 18 can enter all Bonn swimming pools free of charge from Monday, 20 July to Saturday, 1 September 2026. The regulation is planned for future summer holidays, provided that budgetary funds are available.

This measure is part of a broader strategy to promote sports and health participation. At the same time, the financing of the 19-euro student ticket and the social ticket was also supported in order to enable access to sports and leisure activities for all population groups.

Outlook: Sports development in Bonn 2027 and beyond

The decisions made by the Sports Committee in May and June 2026 show a clear trend: Bonn is investing in modern, inclusive and future-oriented sports infrastructure. The expansion and renovation measures at the sports facilities as well as the support for events such as the Bonn Bash or the baseball and softball games are not only short-term measures, but form the foundation for long-term sports development in the city.

In addition, the focus on social aspects such as free access to swimming pools for young people and the support of volunteer athletes is clearly visible. This policy reflects a broad recognition of the importance of sport for society and shows how Bonn is acting as a model city for innovative sports policy.