Krefeld's Sports Policy in Focus: Investments, Projects, and Challenges in February 2026

Krefeld's Sports Committee in February 2026: Funding, Projects, and Challenges

In February 2026, Krefeld's Sports Committee convened and laid the groundwork for several central sports policy decisions. The topics ranged from the support of club initiatives to major infrastructure projects and addressing challenges in the swimming pool sector. The focus was on investments in sports facilities, the implementation of the master plan for the Elfrather See, and addressing the termination of the Traar teaching swimming pool by the LVR.

Support for the Crefelder Hockey and Tennis Club 1890 e.V.

One of the central decisions of the Sports Committee in February concerned the support for the Crefelder Hockey and Tennis Club 1890 e.V. (CHTC). The club applied for funds from the sports budget to replace the existing floodlight system with modern LED large-area lights at the state performance center's hockey facility. The replacement will cost a total of 47,500 euros, of which 28,400 euros will be funded from the 2025 sports budget. The measure is intended to increase the number of evening games and thus strengthen the site's status as a performance center.

The funding was recommended by the Sports Committee and approved by the city council. It underscores Krefeld's efforts to provide modern and performance-oriented sports facilities, especially for young athletes and Bundesliga teams.

Master Plan Elfrather See: Construction Process and Investments

Another focus of the meeting was the current status of the master plan "Sport and Recreation Park Elfrather See." The park is part of a comprehensive development aimed at anchoring sports in Krefeld in a sustainable way while also creating recreational areas. In 2026, construction has already started on several areas: the Inclusive Sports Center, the Fitness Street, and the Club Center are scheduled to be completed in June 2026.

Another part of the project, the Trend Sports Area, will begin in April 2026 and be implemented by the second quarter of 2027. The stand, a central component of the facility, is planned for March 2026 and is expected to be completed in June 2026, followed by its inauguration on July 10, 2026 as part of the Triple Championship.

The investments in the Elfrather See show how strongly Krefeld is relying on a future-oriented sports infrastructure that supports both performance and amateur sports.

Challenges in the Swimming Pool Sector: Termination of the Traar Teaching Swimming Pool

A particular challenge for Krefeld's sports policy is the termination of the Traar teaching swimming pool by the Regional Association of Rhineland (LVR). The termination will take effect on December 31, 2025 and affects 13 Krefeld clubs and groups, including offerings for seniors and people with physical impairments. The LVR plans a contractual arrangement in which the operational and safety responsibilities would be transferred to the municipalities.

The city of Krefeld considers these provisions to be unfeasible, as they require personnel and financial resources that are currently not available. In January 2024, the city had already expressed its interest in an agreement with the LVR, but so far no satisfactory solution has been found.

Five of the 13 affected clubs have already found replacement swimming times in municipal pools. However, accessibility is not yet guaranteed in some cases. After the reopening of the city pool in Fischeln, more swimming times will become available in Uerdingen, which is seen as a positive development.

Outlook: Sports as Part of City Development

The decisions and debates of the Sports Committee in February 2026 show how firmly sports are anchored in Krefeld as part of urban development and quality of life. The support of clubs, investments in modern sports facilities, and the development of inclusive sports offerings are central elements.

In the future, it will mainly depend on how the city deals with the termination of the Traar teaching swimming pool and whether it is able to find a long-term solution for inclusive and health-oriented water sports offerings. At the same time, the Elfrather See will be a central milestone for Krefeld's sports future.