Neighborhood swimming pool in Fossvogsdalur
The neighborhood plan work proposals assume that a neighborhood swimming pool will be built centrally in Fossvogsdalur, near Fossvogsskóli and Snælandsskóli, in accordance with the existing declaration of intent of Reykjavík and Kópavogur, which was approved in both municipalities in March 2021
Persistent requests for a swimming pool in the district were made during the public consultation process when work on the neighborhood plan began. A swimming pool would be both a landmark in the district and could strengthen the local spirit and neighborhood awareness of the residents. Although there were differing opinions about a suitable location, most people considered Fossvogsdalur to be the most suitable for a swimming pool, relatively central and with a good transport connection for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike.
Fossvoglaug swimming pool will therefore be a good addition to the roster of public swimming pools that are already in operation in the capital area, but the final location of the pool is a joint project of Reykjavík and Kópavogur.
A design and planning competition for Fossvogslaug will be held with an emphasis on environmentally friendly design, as well as environmentally friendly focus and implementations, including green funding, will be used as a guideline in the project’s development and construction.
Fossvoglaug will be a good addition to the roster of public swimming pools that are already in operation in the capital area
Green focus
It is estimated that access to Fossvogslaug will be mainly for pedestrians and cyclists, which is in line with the green ideology of the project, but in such a way that parking in the vicinity can be utilized, such as by school buildings. Today’s conditions support this green ideology well, as cycling has increased significantly and better public transport is being worked on.
According to the results of a joint working group of the municipalities, the swimming pool should be at least 25 meters long and 12.5 meters wide. School swimming will be taught there by both the City of Reykjavík and Kópavogur, as well as being a neighborhood pool for residents on both sides of Fossvogsdalur.
The construction has not been scheduled, but will be decided once the design and final cost estimate are available. It is assumed that the costs will be divided in half between the municipalities, regardless of the final location.
Design competition in collaboration with the Architects Association of Iceland
In order to develop the best solutions for Fossvogslaug, the municipalities intend to jointly hold a design competition in collaboration with the Architects Association of Iceland. A preparatory group of municipalities is to be appointed to lay the foundations for the competition description. Changes will be made to the zoning of both municipalities when the results of the Fossvogslaug design competition are available, but the municipalities have been preparing the overall zoning of the valley together.
The neighborhood pool
Fossvogsdalur is considered the most suitable location for the joint swimming pool of Reykjavík and Kópavogur, but its final location has not been decided.
Image: The City of Reykjavík
Image: Ragnar Th. Sigurðsson.
