A holiday park becomes more attractive with play facilities that cater to a broad target group, last a long time, and require little maintenance. The best choice in 2026 is a facility that appeals to young children as well as teenagers and adults, because that increases the fun for entire families. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about play facilities at recreational sites, from the choice between a pump track and a skate park to costs, space, and the construction process.
Which play facilities attract the most guests at a holiday park?
Play facilities that attract the most guests are those that serve multiple age groups simultaneously. A traditional playground appeals to toddlers and preschoolers, but teenagers and adults lose interest. Facilities such as a asphalt pump track attract a much broader group, from young children on balance bikes to adults on mountain bikes or skateboards.
For holiday parks, it is all about distinctiveness. Guests are increasingly choosing parks that offer something special, something they don't have at home. This means that a standard climbing frame or sandbox is no longer enough. What does work:
- Pump tracks and skate elements for active visitors of all ages
- Water activities which are seasonal but popular
- Exercise equipment for adults alongside classic playground equipment
- Multifunctional sports fields for ball and team sports
What all these options have in common: they encourage physical activity, are suitable for multiple ages, and give guests a reason to stay longer. A pump track scores particularly well in this regard, because you can use it with a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or inline skates, making it one of the most versatile play facilities available.
What is the difference between a pump track and a skatepark?
A pump track is a closed circuit of hills and turns where you build up speed by using your body without pedaling. A skatepark is designed for tricks and stunts on halfpipes, rails, and ledges, and is therefore more geared towards advanced users. The biggest difference lies in accessibility: a pump track is immediately usable for beginners; a skatepark has a steeper learning curve.
To put it concretely:
- Pump track: Suitable for anyone with wheels, from 2 to 70 years old, no prior knowledge required
- Skatepark: primarily for skaters and BMX riders with some experience
- Pump track: also suitable for manual wheelchairs
- Skatepark: less accessible for young children and people with disabilities
For a holiday park, this distinction is important. You want as many guests as possible to use the facility, not just a specific group. A pump track has a clear advantage in this regard: it serves families with small children, teenagers, and adults simultaneously. That makes it a smarter investment for a recreational site than a traditional skatepark.
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What legal requirements must playground equipment on a recreational site meet?
Playground equipment on a recreational site in the Netherlands must comply with the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) and the associated standard NEN-EN 14974. This legislation applies to all publicly accessible playground equipment, including at campsites and holiday parks. Legally, you may not open playground equipment that is not certified for public use.
In practical terms, this means that when purchasing play equipment, you must check whether:
- The device is supplied with a valid certificate.
- The installation complies with the NEN-EN 14974 standard.
- Periodic inspections take place to ensure safety
- The supplier has demonstrable experience with WAS-compliant installations
This might sound like a lot of bureaucracy, but it also protects you as a park manager. In the event of an incident, you are liable if it turns out that the facility did not meet legal requirements. Therefore, always choose a supplier that includes the certification as standard, not as an option.
How much space do you need for a pump track at a holiday park?
A pump track requires a minimum of approximately 200 to 300 square meters for a basic, rideable version. Larger and more challenging tracks start at 400 square meters and can go up to 600 square meters. The exact space requirement depends on the design, the desired level of challenge, and the number of expected users at any one time.
What else you need to include in the space planning:
- Safety zone around the track for fall space and spectators
- Access paths for maintenance and emergencies
- Environment and layout, such as benches and bicycle racks
The advantage of an asphalt pump track compared to other sports facilities is that you can create a facility that is used intensively on a relatively small surface area. A football field requires four times as much space for a comparable number of users. If land is scarce at your park, a pump track is therefore a smart choice.
How much does a pump track for a recreation park cost and what is the return?
The target price for an asphalt pump track is around 125 euros per square meter (excluding VAT). This amount includes installation, finishing with turf, and the legally required inspection. For an entry-level track of 300 square meters, this brings the investment to approximately 37.500 euros. Larger and more complex tracks cost more, depending on the design.
What does it yield? That is harder to capture in an exact number, but there are clear benefits:
- Higher occupancy rate because the park distinguishes itself from competitors
- Longer stay of guests who use the facility intensively
- Positive word of mouth of families returning
- Low maintenance costs due to the durability of asphalt
An asphalt pump track has a minimum lifespan of 20 years. Spread over that period, the annual costs per user are low, especially compared to wooden playground equipment that needs to be replaced after 8 to 12 years. Also check out our completed projects to get an idea of what other parks have built and what that has yielded.
How does the installation process of a playground at a holiday park proceed?
The construction process of a pump track at a holiday park proceeds in a number of clear steps: from an initial discussion regarding requirements and location, through design and permitting, to the actual construction and completion with certification. The entire process takes several months on average, depending on the complexity of the design and the permitting procedure.
The steps in a row:
- Interview: discussion of location, target group, available space and budget
- Design: custom-made drawings tailored to the terrain
- License: application to the municipality if necessary
- Construction: specialized manual processing of the asphalt on site
- Inspection and certification: official handover including WAS certificate
- Maintenance: annual inspection to keep the track safe and in top condition
One tip: start on time. Permitting processes can take longer than expected, and the construction period depends on the weather. Preferably plan the project in the autumn or winter so that the track is ready for the new season.
How Velosolutions Pumptracks helps make your holiday park more attractive
Velosolutions PumpTracks is the market leader in the Netherlands with over 100 installed pump tracks and 12 years of experience. We are part of a global network of 35 partners and the only UCI-certified provider in the world. This means that with us, you are not just buying a track, but also the assurance that everything is right: the design, the installation, the certification, and the maintenance.
What we arrange for your holiday park:
- Completely hassle-free process from initial consultation to WAS certificate
- Custom design tailored to your site and target audience
- Asphalt pumptrack with a minimum lifespan of 20 years and 5-year warranty
- Annual maintenance contract so that the track always remains safe and attractive
- Suitable for everyone: bicycle, BMX, scooter, skateboard, inline skates and wheelchair
Are you considering installing a pump track at your holiday park or recreational site? We would be happy to discuss the possibilities, design, and available space with you. View our completed pumptracks of contact us without obligation to discuss the options.
