The Masch Lake Beach lies at the southern point of the lake. In 2005, the city handed over the former city open air pool to a private investor who began construction on a commercial wellness park that stalled before being taken over by investor group Aspria in 2007. In spring 2009 Aspria Hannover opened a private spa and sport club in the buildings of the old public facilities and some newly built premises. Aspria also took over the running of the public bathing area, although since 2009 over half of the bathing area has been accessible to members of the private Aspria club only. Exercising With its proximity to the centre of Hanover, the Masch Lake is a popular recreation area for the city's walkers and joggers. In 2005, a route around the lake was mapped out by the German Athletics Association. This track runs along the footpath, closer to the water than the asphalt-coated cycle path. Since 2003 the cycle path has also been open for roller skating usage. Ice activities If the lake freezes in winter and the thickness of the ice exceeds , the city authorities hoist a flag at the northern shore of the lake to indicate that it is permitted to go onto the ice. In periods of constant cold weather the lake can draw more than 10,000 visitors a day for activities such as ice skating and ice hockey. When ice thickness reaches , as it did in 2003, stalls may also be erected on the ice. Art works Notable works of art on the northern side of the lake are the red steel "" (meaning 'Halberdier') sculpture by Alexander Calder (1972) as well as the bronze Olympic torchbearer that stands atop an stone column and "Putto on the Fish" that were both created in 1936 by . Other sculptures on the eastern side are the "" (meaning 'Human Couple') by Georg Kolbe (1936–37) and two lion sculptures created by Arno Breker (1938). In 1948 unveiled his piece "The Swimmer", which stands in the public bathing area. Spanish artist Santiago Sierra caused a sensation in 2005 when he remembered the fact that the Masch Lake was built through a Nazi work programme by installing a walk-in room filled with mud at the Kestner Society Art Gallery. A light art project was held around the lake at the start of 2009 under the title "New