Paderborn's Sports Policy in March 2026: Fees, Investments, and Consolidation

Paderborn's Sports Policy: How the City Maintains Control Over Sports

The city of Paderborn continues to engage intensively with the development of its sports and leisure landscape. In March 2026, several central topics were on the agenda of the Sports and Leisure Committee as well as the Bath Operations Committee. From the budget plan to the fee regulations and investments in baths and sports facilities – the decisions show how the city manages with limited funds and increasing demands.

Fee Regulation: Who Gets Discounted Access to Sports?

One of the central decisions was the supplement to the fee regulation for the city's sports facilities. Clear distinctions were made between user groups:

• User Group 0: Kindergartens, schools, and municipal offices – continue to receive privileged conditions.
• User Group 1: Non-profit sports clubs, university sports, and trainer education – benefit from reduced fees.
• User Group 2: Non-sports-related uses by other non-profit associations – also receive more favorable conditions.
• User Group 3: Commercial providers and private individuals – pay full fees.

This reorientation is part of a strategy to promote access to sports for non-profit organizations while ensuring commercial use is more heavily funded. At the same time, the fee regulation for children's swimming courses was also adjusted, raising the price of each session by 46% to 8.50 €. This decision sparked criticism, particularly from the "Die Linke" faction, which opposed the increase.

Investments and Renovations: What is Being Modernized?

In the area of investments and renovations, several projects were in the spotlight. Particularly notable are:

• Switch to LED floodlighting: From 2026 to 2029, one sports facility will be retrofitted with LED lighting each year. The financial burden for 2026 amounts to -165,000 €.
• Renovations at the Bäder (baths): Numerous facilities, such as the Rolandsbad, Waldbad, and Residenzbad, will receive million-euro investments. These include pool covers, control panels, turnstile systems, and barrier-free ticket machines. Around 537,000 € is planned for renovations and investments in 2026 alone.
• Use of the Climate Fund: Additionally, 300,000 € from the Climate Fund will be used for the pool covers – a step toward greater sustainability.

The city is thus pursuing a long-term modernization of its sports and bath infrastructure, in line with its climate protection policies.

Budget Cuts and Consolidation Measures

Given the financial situation, consolidation measures were also decided. These particularly affect the outdoor swimming pools:

• The free entry for children under 13 years of age during the summer holidays will be abolished.
• The Residenzbad will remain closed during the outdoor swimming season – even for club and school swimming.
• The start of the outdoor swimming season at the Rolandsbad will be set for June 1, 2026, allowing for a longer preparation period.

These measures reflect the financial constraints and show that the city not only needs to invest but also needs to save. At the same time, the School Swimming Initiative Paderborn (SchIP) will continue, although funding for its expansion to other districts has been reduced.

Conclusion: Sports Policy Between Investment and Austerity

Paderborn's sports policy in March 2026 demonstrates a clear balance between investing in the future and the need to consolidate the budget. The city is relying on a clear differentiation in the use of sports facilities, supporting non-profit associations, and investing in modern, sustainable infrastructure. At the same time, it has to accept cuts – particularly in leisure and bath policy. The challenge remains: How can access to sports be secured for all population groups without overburdening the city’s financial resources?