Once a beloved swimming spot, the Biotop ehem. Borsbergbad now whispers tales of transformation. This is the story of how a pool became a haven for nature.
The Borsbergbad in Graupa was built in 1936 and 1937. Graupa citizens constructed it themselves. They used the earth from the adjacent sports field. The swimming pool opened on June 4, 1937. The district swimming championships were held here.
For decades, the Borsbergbad was known for its beautiful location. It had a large lawn for sunbathing. The water surface spanned 2500 square meters. It attracted many swimmers from near and far.
The Borsbergbad sits 153 meters above sea level. It lies in the Graupa stream’s floodplain. The stream originates at the Beerberg below Zaschendorf. It flows into the Elbe River above Pillnitz.
Geologically, the ground beneath the Borsbergbad is a gravel terrace. It dates back to the first Ice Age around 500,000 years ago. A layer of marl prevents water from seeping away. This dense clay dates back 75 million years.
Due to financial, structural, and natural issues, the Borsbergbad closed in 2001. The natural water supply had greatly decreased.
Today, the area serves as a flood control basin. It is also a natural pond. In 2016, the area was redesigned. This was to offset road construction of the S 177. The design aimed to unite nature, culture, and recreation. The pond and surroundings should develop into a complex ecosystem.
Amphibian migrations have long been observed here in spring. Kingfishers and gray herons now frequent the area. The walls of the former Graupa swimming pool were demolished. Now only amphibians swim here.
Until 2003, the swimming pool attracted many visitors. After its closure, the condition rapidly deteriorated. Tiles broke off. Concrete crumbled. Weeds grew in the cracks.
There were many ideas for the former pool. A swimming facility was considered. Also a fish farm, a natural lake, and flood protection. These suggestions disappeared as quickly as the swimmers had.
In 2004, the Graupa Gymnastics and Sports Club wanted to save the pool. Students even devised plans for a natural pond. But the project proved too expensive. Eleven years later, the plan was realized.
The unplanned wilderness of the Borsbergbad has become a planned one. The State Office for Road Construction and Transport is converting the pool into a biotope. This compensates for a large road near Graupa. The construction of the new S 177 state road sealed off large areas. The state had to create natural areas elsewhere. Pirna and Graupa suggested the Borsbergbad. Construction workers now manage the former swimming pool.
The story of the Biotop ehem. Borsbergbad is one of change. It shows how nature can reclaim a space. It reminds us that even in decay, there is potential for renewal.