There are days when the asphalt seems to melt and the city cries out for a refuge. That long-awaited oasis to escape the heat is now a reality in the La Sagrera neighborhood, where the new outdoor pools at the newly opened Municipal Sports Center (CEM) opened their doors to the public this weekend .
Located at 37–47 Bonaventura Gispert Street, these facilities add a new refreshing spot to Barcelona, bringing thecity’s total number of publicly managed outdoor poolsto 16. Although residents can already take their first dip, the facility is currently in its initial opening phase, laying the groundwork to offer uninterrupted service year-round.
More than 1,000 square meters of sun and sports
The star of the facility is a 25-meter-long pool, accompanied by a second, slightly smaller 16-meter pool—perfect as a complementary area. But the experience goes far beyond the water: those looking to relax can lie back and unwind on a massive sun deck spanning over 1,000 square meters.
For those who prefer to work up a sweat before jumping into the water, the facility has plenty to offer. It features two paddle tennis courts, a weight room, an area entirely dedicated to stationary bikes, and three rooms designed to host all kinds of group exercise classes.
Sustainable design and a promise for winter
The entire complex has been designed with great respect for its natural surroundings. The facility is self-sufficient in terms of water supply and operates using renewable energy, thanks to the installation of solar panels, modern aerothermal systems, and mechanisms that allow for the reuse of waste heat.
Although the first swimmers are already enjoying the facilities, the official opening won’t take place until September. It will be then that all services will be fully operational and the project’s main attraction will be complete: the installation of a retractable roof and climate control for both pools. This transformation is designed so that the neighborhood can continue swimming regardless of whether it’s a sunny August day or the cold of mid-December.
