Finnish Ministry requests review of pricing at swimming hall in Lempäälä

The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture has requested a review from the municipality of Lempäälä regarding the pricing of its new swimming hall. In 2022, the facility received one million euros in state funding from the ministry. The ministry is now investigating whether the information provided in the funding application complies with the terms of the grant.

Concerns regarding pricing at the Louhe Water World have previously emerged among local residents, prompting changes to ticket prices. A family ticket now costs 23 euros on weekdays and 43 euros on weekday evenings, allowing two adults and two children to swim. According to Tiina Kivisaari, head of the ministry’s sports division, the application for funding does not specify the ticket price, as the support is intended for projects that promote accessibility to physical activities. However, she emphasized that user costs should remain reasonable.

“If prices rise to levels they have now, it limits opportunities for certain population groups,” Kivisaari stated. She clarified that the review aims to awaken stakeholders to notice the pricing situation and provide rationale for high ticket prices.

The swimming hall was constructed in a subterranean cavern 30 meters deep beneath Finland’s largest shopping center, Ideapark. The municipality of Lempäälä owns 55% of the swimming hall, while the Ideapark shopping center holds 44%. Ticket pricing is determined by the Lempäälä swimming hall company, and chairman Jocka Träskbäck previously explained that in other municipalities, taxpayers cover swimming hall costs, whereas in Lempäälä, ticket revenue aims to cover these expenses.

Lempäälä must submit its findings by October 28. “We will allow for a review and proceed calmly, then assess the next steps,” Kivisaari commented.