Not enough shade, long waiting times and expensive food

The new lakeside swimming area in Zug cost CHF 13 million, and expectations are correspondingly high. Following its opening on Saturday, 9th May, the city has made improvements in various areas.
 

The grand re-opening of the upgraded and expanded Strandbad (lakeside lido) on the Chamer Fussweg in Zug was celebrated about two months ago. The completion of the CHF 13 million project on time for the start of the bathing season was met with widespread approval.

But there were also critical voices.
Among them was Manuela Leemann, a former city councillor from the Mitte Party in Zug, who is a quadriplegic. She noted immediately at the opening that a threshold in the middle of the lido made access to the lawn or the lake almost impossible for wheelchair users.

Residents have also complained that the new section of the lido lacks showers and shaded areas. This leads to long queues in the old section on weekends. Guests are forced to sit in the blazing sun, or have to squeeze themselves into narrow spots among the other visitors in the shaded area, regularly causing overcrowding.

Online reviews of the food service at the new lido are mixed, with negative comments mainly with regard to the high prices for the rather uninspired presentation of the food: "The selection has deteriorated drastically. It's just typical lido fare now – but in small portions and at high prices," writes one user. Drinks are often not cold, and the average waiting time at the bistro is half an hour. Furthermore, it's often unclear which items are sold out, preventing unnecessary waiting. The operator is EVZ Gastro AG.

"Subjected to a stress test"
Why wasn't the start entirely successful? Raphael Bischof, Head of Communications & Media at EVZ Gastro AG , cites the first heatwave week of the year around the extended Whit weekend as an example: "Due to the influx of visitors, the catering service was subjected to a stress test, which has revealed some weaknesses." In cooperation with the City of Zug and following discussions with pool visitors, the critical feedback has been addressed, and the catering service is now running more smoothly.

The employees are reaching their limits, especially during peak hours at lunchtime and in the evening, and the current heatwave is a significant physical challenge for them. To ensure a satisfactory pool experience for everyone in the future, several improvements have already been implemented: "Thanks to the City, we were able to create two additional sales points in the kiosk area. This has significantly reduced waiting times," says Raphael Bischof.

In order to ensure food quality even during peak hours, EVZ Gastro AG has also adapted the infrastructure and preparation processes. The menu has been reviewed with regard to pricing, and some items have been reduced. Raphael Bischof added: "We will also be launching a project at the beginning of July that will allow guests to conveniently place orders using their smartphones."

The new Zug Strandbad is a source of joy – and criticism                 Photo: Jakob Ineichen
 

In addition, in cooperation with the City, EVZ Gastro AG plans to make further investments in the overall appearance of the restaurant. New shaded areas will be created in the new building and, to further enhance the atmosphere, flowers and plants will be integrated into both the old and new sections of the restaurant.

Various improvements have also been made following an on-site meeting between Manuela Leemann and the City's head of construction, Eliane Birchmeier, and the deputy head of building construction (stellvertretenden LeiterinHochbau). "As a result, the requested ramp has been built, and the facility is now fully accessible," said the City of Zug in response to an enquiry. If any further deficiencies are identified during operation, these will also be addressed. “The lawn will also be adapted during the winter months, so that a completely barrier-free transition from the building to the lawn is created for the next season,” adds Manuela Leemann

The City emphasizes that further improvements are planned: “Sunshades will be installed in the restaurant area, and a large parasol is planned for the gravel area.” Temporary shading in the new area is also being examined. At the same time, the newly planted trees will create a more natural setting as they grow.