Sports Policy in Viersen: Swimming Quotas, Artificial Turf Fields, and the 2026 Budget

Swimming quota rises – but challenges remain

In February 2026, the Viersen Sports Committee reviewed the fifth progress report on the city's concept to increase the swimming quota. The share of non-swimmers in third grade decreased slightly from 40.19% in 2024–2025 to 35.21% in the following year. In fourth grade, the non-swimmer quota is already at 19.50%, indicating the effectiveness of current measures.

Successful factors include the school swimming weeks, which were used by nine elementary schools with almost 400 students, as well as the state program "NRW can swim!" This program offers targeted courses during holidays, supporting children from water acclimatization to water safety. The achievement rate for the Seepferdchen (a recognized swimming certificate) in the summer holidays of 2025 was impressively 95%.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. The changing rooms at Bad Ransberg are still too small for the transition between school classes, and the demand for swimming lessons sometimes exceeds capacity. In addition, the swimming quota remains above average in some elementary schools. The city therefore plans targeted discussions with these schools to develop solutions.

Artificial Turf Fields: Maintenance Needs and Funding in Focus

Another focus of the meeting was the condition of the artificial turf fields in Viersen. A total of eight artificial turf fields are available, including five municipal and three operated by clubs. The lifespan of artificial turf is 12 to 15 years, meaning extensive renovations are due in the coming years.

For example, the artificial turf field at Stadion Hoher Busch (Field 2) is planned for renewal in 2032, the sports facility Helenabrunn in 2040 and the Volksbank-Arena Süchteln in 2041. The Sports Committee intensely discussed funding models, with grant funds, reserve building and alternative sources such as foundations in the foreground.

A critical point was also the exclusion of the hockey field of the Viersener Tennis- und Hockeyclub 1896 e.V. (VTHC) from the overview. In addition, it was pointed out that the tennis hall of the VTHC is in planning and an advisory meeting is planned.

2026 Budget: Sports Invests in Infrastructure

The 2026 budget discussions provided clear impulses for the sports sector. The Sports Committee unanimously approved the recommendation for adoption (with one abstention and one absence). The 2026 budget includes significant funds for the renovation and modernization of sports facilities.

The installation of LED technology in floodlight systems is planned, and the renovation of the Tennenplatz at Hoher Busch (Field 3) will also be supported. Funding from the Climate and Transformation Fund as well as from the sports allowance of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will flow into these projects.

Another project is the renovation of the artificial turf at the Volksbank-Arena of the ASV Süchteln. A total of 300,000 euros in subsidies will be provided, including 150,000 euros from the sports allowance. In addition, an application for the federal program "Renovation of Municipal Sports Facilities" has been submitted, which should yield results in February 2026.

Outlook: Sustainability and Participation in Sports

The sports policy decisions in Viersen show a clear focus on sustainability, infrastructure and sports participation. The city is not only investing in the future of sports facilities, but also in the health and mobility of its citizens.

The next steps will show whether the subsidies from the federal program will be approved and how the renovation plans can be specifically implemented. At the same time, the focus will remain on swimming quotas – with the goal of ensuring that all students in Viersen can swim safely by 2030.