PRAGUE, July 1, 2023 – Starting today, the Trade Centre Praha (TCP) will assume responsibility for the management of three prominent swimming pools in Prague: the Šutka Aquatic Centre, as well as the Strahov and Hloubětín swimming pools. This decision was made as the current operator expressed disinterest in continuing their partnership, and the city believes TCP is well-positioned to become a significant manager of Prague’s sports infrastructure in the long run.

TCP already has experience managing the Strahov swimming pool, and the city is confident that their expertise will extend to the Šutka Aquatic Centre, which is planned for further expansion. In assuming operations from the previous manager, Montservis Praha, TCP will handle maintenance, sales, cleaning, and security of the Hloubětín and Šutka facilities.

Adam Zábranský, Pirate Party Councilor for Property, Legislation, and Transparency, emphasized the importance of sports in our lives and expressed his commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all. Zábranský stated, “Prague is in need of more swimming pools, particularly outdoor ones. Therefore, it is imperative that we take proactive steps in this regard, and I believe that TCP will play a vital role in meeting this objective.”

The swimming pool facilities in Prague are highly sought after, and TCP’s assumption of management will undoubtedly help meet the demands of the population. The Šutka Aquatic Centre, for instance, offers a wide range of attractions, including three pools, two interactive toboggans, three slides, a wild river, a children’s paddling pool, a whirlpool, and a sauna. During the summer, visitors can also enjoy a terrace with panoramic city views. The aquapark charges 180 CZK for a one-hour visit for adults, while a full day costs 470 CZK. Children under 15 pay 115 CZK per hour or 300 CZK for the entire day.

The Hloubětín swimming pool distinguishes itself as Prague’s first facility to provide salty water. It comprises two indoor pools and one outdoor pool. The entrance fee for adults is 130 CZK for a one-hour visit or 170 CZK for 90 minutes. Children under 15 are charged 110 CZK per hour or 150 CZK for 90 minutes.

The Strahov swimming pool is the smallest of the three, featuring a single indoor pool. Adults can access the facility for 90 CZK per hour, while children under 15 are charged 45 CZK.

Antonín Klecanda, STAN Councilor for Education, Sports, and Leisure, expressed his long-term goal of developing sports in Prague and believed that through coordination, they could establish a sports facility of European standards.

TCP will receive annual payments of 17,222,000 CZK for the Hloubětín facility, 37,324,567 CZK for the Šutka Aquatic Centre, and 6,921,014 CZK for the Strahov swimming pool. However, operating costs are higher in all cases.

The city anticipates that TCP’s management expertise will contribute to the improvement and expansion of these swimming facilities, benefiting all residents and visitors in Prague. With TCP at the helm, the future of Prague’s sports infrastructure looks promising.

Article by Prague Forum