Huge damage in the Neubrandenburg sports park: sauna is threatened with closure!

Huge damage in the Neubrandenburg sports park: sauna is threatened with closure!

In Neubrandenburg, Rüdiger Otto, operator of the Otto sports park, is plagued by a huge problem. An undetected crack in the sanitary facility has caused damage that not only has significant financial consequences, but also endangers the entire sauna facility. The operator had to close the sauna area in May 2023 after calcified and porous pipes caused wastewater to seep into the ground. Despite several investigations, this serious defect remained undetected and now means that the entire floor of the sauna area has to be torn out and replaced. However, the sports park's insurance company refuses to cover the costs, which is why Otto has already sought the help of lawyers. If no agreement is reached, the popular sauna area could close permanently.

26 years ago, Rüdiger Otto opened his sports park with a lot of commitment and an investment of 3 million euros, and over 300,000 euros flowed into the sauna area. The latest developments have unsettled many loyal customers who were able to redeem their vouchers and 10-ticket cards before the closure - also for other offers such as yoga and Pilates. Unfortunately, a refund of purchases is not possible for legal reasons, but the majority of customer feedback shows support for the sports park and the hope that remedial measures will be taken soon, which depend on the clarification of the insurance case.

The challenge of the energy crisis

In addition to the high repair costs, the sports park is also struggling with the effects of the current energy crisis. “One in four German sauna businesses is in economic difficulties,” reports the German Sauna Association. Skyrocketing energy costs pose a serious threat to many businesses, and Neubrandenburg is no exception. The energy crisis has not only driven up costs, but also affected visitor numbers, which have already fallen due to the corona pandemic. Many professionals have sought other jobs and may settle permanently in other professions.

At Sportpark Otto, use of the outdoor sauna is only offered on odd days and the 85 degree Celsius indoor sauna is only offered on even days - an adjustment to the services that responds to energy prices. In addition, from June 1, 2025, the entire sauna area will be closed due to the damage in the sauna and shower area. During the renovation work there will be restrictions in the changing rooms and showers and possibly noise disturbances. However, visitors can still use the fitness area.

The future of the sauna

The coming crisis clearly shows how important it is to recognize the health benefits of sauna bathing and to support the facilities. Over 1,600 scientific studies prove the positive effects of saunas for the body and mind. Martin Niederstein, managing director of the German Sauna Association, appeals to politicians to recognize public sauna facilities as systemically relevant and to provide financial aid. This is the only way to secure the valuable offer that not only promotes health but also preserves jobs.

The Sportpark Otto team is available to answer any questions visitors may have, while they hope that the insurance difficulties will soon be resolved and the sauna area will shine in new splendour. In the meantime, customer support remains a crucial factor in the future of the sports park.

For more information about the sauna and its offerings, visit the sports park website: sauna-neubrandenburg.de. Further information on the energy crisis can be found at sauna-bund.de.