Oulu swimming hall in Raksila set to close in February 2025 for new water sports center

The Oulu swimming hall in Raksila will close its doors at the end of February 2025. Having reached the end of its operational lifespan, the facility will be demolished, and a new water sports center will be constructed on the same site, set to be completed in 2029. Preparations for the emptying and demolition of the swimming hall will begin immediately after its closure, with demolition work expected to last until the fall of 2025.

The closure of Raksila will impact many swimmers and fitness enthusiasts. In 2023, the Raksila facility recorded over 500,000 visits. The situation poses a challenge for competitive swimming, as there are three clubs in the Oulu region: Oulun uinti, Oulun Lohet, and Haukiputaan Heitto. These clubs are concerned about the continuity of swimming activities due to a lack of adequate facilities.

According to Asko Ylitalo, chairman of the Oulun Lohien club, the alternative swimming halls in Linnanmaa and Raatin do not have sufficient pool capacity to meet the club’s needs. Raksila features a 50-meter pool, which is absent in the other facilities.

In early 2025, a new swimming hall will open in Linnanmaa, significantly enhancing water sports opportunities for residents in northern Oulu. Additionally, the Raatin and Haukiputaan Vesi-Jatuli swimming halls will continue to serve the community during this transition.