Paradiso, the Oldest Swimming Pool in Medan Since 1924

Medan –

The Paradiso Swimming Pool is a sports facility in the city of Medan. It holds a long historical legacy as the first and oldest swimming pool in Medan.

This swimming pool is located at Jalan Sisingamangaraja No.6. Its existence bears witness to the city’s development since the colonial era. It is explained that this pool was originally known as the Medan Zwembad.

“It is true, the Paradiso Swimming Pool is the first and oldest swimming pool in the city of Medan. Originally, this pool was named Medan Zwembad,” it was stated.

It was recounted that the construction of the pool began in 1924 in an area formerly known as Jalan Radja (Radja Straat). The construction process was considered unique as it involved various parties.

“This swimming pool was first built in 1924, and is located on Jln. Radja (Radja Straat). The construction process was quite unique, because the existence of this pool was inseparable from the roles of the Colonial Government, the Ajer Bersih Company, and the Sultan of Deli himself,” it was said.

Furthermore, it was explained that the idea for its construction had actually emerged as early as 1918, but was only realized several years later.

“The construction of this pool was initiated by G. Van Altena in 1922, after a previous plan initiated by the Delian Bathing and Swimming Association (Medansche Zwemvereeniging), the Medan City Council, and the Ajer Bersih Company in 1918 failed to materialize,” was the explanation.

In the initial stage, the pool utilized a reservoir or holding tank for surplus clean water belonging to the city government (Gemeente Medan), which had been simply renovated. As public interest grew, various updates were made to beautify and expand the pool area.

Renovations were recorded in 1925, 1927, 1928, and 1930, then continued in 1935 under architect Rostenburg with contractor Bennink and Co. Development did not stop there. In 1938, renovation was carried out again under the leadership of architect Groenewegen and was completed in 1940.

These various updates indicate the high level of public interest in this swimming facility at that time.

However, behind its grandeur, this pool also reflected the social realities of the colonial era. Although not exclusively for the nobility, the users of this facility were dominated by Europeans. In fact, the local native population at that time was not permitted to use the facility.

Citing a study in a thesis titled “Medansche Zwembad, The First Swimming Pool in the City of Medan (1924-1942)”, this pool became one of the favorite recreational centers for Dutch and other European citizens, both those living in Medan and outside the Gemeente Medan area. Visitors were charged different rates based on categories, such as members, non-members, and daily tickets.

These restrictive rules did not only apply at the Medan Zwembad, but also at various public facilities built by the colonial government at that time. Today, with the changing times, the Paradiso Swimming Pool is open to the general public and remains a part of Medan’s historical heritage that can still be enjoyed to this day.