Jihlava's largest water park opens a sauna for 60 people

Vodní ráj, the largest water park in the Vysočina region, located in Jihlava, has opened an expanded "world of saunas" featuring a new ceremonial sauna for up to 60 people, where ritual and other themed events can be held. At the same time, the complex launched a separate pool for infants and toddlers, while nearby city authorities completed a major renovation of the Evžen Rošický swimming pool.

New sauna and upgraded complex

"The ceremonial sauna holds up to sixty visitors, where various ritual ceremonies and similar events can take place," said Josef Eder, director of Služby, the municipal company that runs the water park, presenting the new facility. The sauna masters who will lead the ceremonies have undergone special training.

Besides the classic Finnish sauna, the renovated Vodní ráj now also features a salt sauna, an aroma sauna, a steam cabin and a separate aroma oasis. There is also an open-air cooling zone with a pool and a jacuzzi, terraces, a bar and relaxation areas. "In the relaxation area we have a fireplace with a real flame, which makes staying there more pleasant," Eder noted.

How much admission costs

A basic ticket for the sauna world alone costs 390 crowns for two hours and 490 crowns for three hours. Combined admission to the sauna world and the indoor pool costs 490 crowns for two hours or 620 crowns for three hours.

Project cost and the new pool for toddlers

According to ČTK, building the sauna world cost 85 million crowns, while the new stainless-steel pool, 1.2 metres deep, installed on the ground floor, cost another 25 million crowns. This pool is intended primarily for infants and toddlers, as well as for parent-and-child water activities — something the region's largest water park did not previously have.

"The entire project — the sauna world and the pool for infants and toddlers — is being financed by the municipal company Služby města Jihlavy through a loan. The city has committed to transferring six million crowns a year for ten years, a total of 60 million crowns," said Jihlava mayor Petr Ryška (ODS party).

Another sports facility after renovation

The expansion of Vodní ráj is not Jihlava's only investment in sports facilities. In late August, the indoor Evžen Rošický swimming pool, built back in 1965, reopened after more than a year of renovation. It received new stainless-steel pools, upgraded technology, barrier-free access, improved auxiliary spaces and an open-air terrace.

The construction became more expensive due to work related to the building's structural stability: total modernisation costs reached 88 million crowns. The Vysočina Region contributed 25 million crowns to the project, and the National Sports Agency added another 20 million crowns.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz