Choosing the right location for a playground is one of the most important decisions you make as a municipality or recreation park. A good location ensures that the facility is actually used, is safe, and lasts a long time. When selecting a location, consider accessibility, available space, the composition of the neighborhood, and applicable legal requirements. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about location selection so that you can get started well-prepared.
What should you look out for when choosing a location for a playground?
When choosing a location for a playground, you consider five factors: accessibility for the target group, sufficient space, social safety (visibility from the surrounding area), the presence of amenities such as benches and bicycle racks, and soil conditions. A location that is easily accessible and highly visible consistently attracts more users.
Accessibility is more than just being “nearby.” Consider walking distance for children, safe cycling routes, and the availability of public transport. A playground located in the middle of a neighborhood but only accessible via busy roads is used less than one situated along a safe walking route.
Social safety also plays a major role. Play areas that are clearly visible from homes or busy pedestrian routes are used more frequently and are safer. Avoid secluded corners or places behind buildings where supervision is lacking. A lively environment encourages use and provides natural social control.
How much space do you need for a play facility like a PumpTrack?
For a asphalt PumpTrack You need at least approximately 400 to 600 square meters for a basic version suitable for multiple age groups. Larger variants start at 800 square meters. The exact size depends on the intended use, the target audience, and the available budget.
The advantage of a PumpTrack compared to, for example, a traditional skatepark is that the space is utilized compactly and efficiently. The track is a closed loop, which means that multiple users can ride at the same time without getting in each other's way. This makes it a smart choice for municipalities with scarce land.
When planning the space, also take into account a buffer zone around the track, space for benches or bicycle parking, and possibly greenery to separate it from the surroundings. Those extra meters make the difference between a functional place and a truly attractive meeting spot.
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Which locations are most suitable for a PumpTrack in a municipality?
The most suitable locations for a PumpTrack in a municipality are parks, sports complexes, schoolyards (publicly accessible outside school hours), and community centers. Locations with a mix of age groups in the vicinity and existing green spaces or sports facilities score best in terms of usage and social return.
Parks are popular because they already serve a recreational function and attract visitors of various ages. By adding a PumpTrack, you expand the offering without having to purchase additional land. Sports complexes offer the advantage of existing infrastructure such as parking lots, toilets, and changing rooms.
Do you want to know what other municipalities have achieved? View our completed projects for concrete examples of locations and designs that work well in practice. This gives you a good idea of what is possible in your situation.
What are the legal requirements for the location of playground equipment?
In the Netherlands, playground equipment in public places is subject to the requirements of the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) and the NEN-EN 14974 standard. These requirements relate to the safety of the equipment itself, but also to the surroundings: the fall zone, the ground surface, and the free space around the equipment must meet specific dimensions.
The WAS obligates municipalities to inspect and certify playground equipment. For PumpTracks, the NEN-EN 14974 standard applies, which is specifically applicable to facilities for inline skates, skateboards, and similar activities. A certified provider supplies a PumpTrack with a valid certificate, which protects you as a municipality in the event of potential liability issues. Always ensure that you ask for the NEN-EN 14974 certificate when purchasing.
In addition to legal requirements, there are also practical guidelines for the surroundings. These include sufficient distance from busy roads, good lighting if the site is also used in the evening, and an accessible entrance for wheelchair users. Manual wheelchairs are also suitable for use on and around a PumpTrack; a handbike is not necessary for this. This accessibility is not only desirable but also aligns with the inclusive function that a modern playground should fulfill.
How do you involve the neighborhood in choosing a location for a playground?
You involve the neighborhood in the location selection by communicating early in the process, actively consulting residents via surveys or walk-in evenings, and giving local initiators a role in the decision-making. Participation increases support and yields valuable information about how the site will actually be used.
Residents know better than anyone which places in the neighborhood are already busy, where children play, and what is needed. By using that knowledge, you increase the chance that the playground will truly be a success. Moreover, you reduce the likelihood of objections later on if people feel heard from the start.
A practical approach is to propose two or three possible locations and allow residents to respond. Indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Transparency regarding the considerations works better than presenting a ready-made decision. Also involve schools and sports clubs, as a good playground serves multiple groups simultaneously.
What mistakes do municipalities make when choosing a play location?
The most common mistakes made when choosing a playground location are: selecting based on available land rather than user potential, paying insufficient attention to accessibility, defining the target group too narrowly, and skipping participation to save time. These errors lead to playgrounds that are underutilized and ultimately cost more than they generate.
Available land as a starting point is a common pitfall. “We still have a piece of land here” is not a good reason to put a playground there. Always start with the question: where are the users and how do they reach the location?
A target group that is too narrow is another mistake. A playground intended only for children up to twelve years old quickly loses its function if the neighborhood changes or if young people and adults cannot find anything on offer. Facilities that serve multiple age groups have a much longer societal lifespan.
Skip participation Trying to speed up the process often backfires. Objections raised later cost more time than a good participation process at the beginning. So schedule that step, even if it takes a little extra time.
How Velosolutions helps choose the right location for a PumpTrack
At Velosolutions, we guide municipalities and recreation parks from the initial idea through to completion and the annual inspection. Location selection is an integral part of that process in which we are actively involved. We help determine the best spot, the design that fits the available space, and the target groups you wish to reach.
- Tailored location advice based on your municipality or area
- Design and custom work for every surface, from compact to large
- Fully certified according to the WAS and NEN-EN 14974
- 5 year warranty and annual maintenance available, also via a maintenance contract
- More than 100 PumpTracks realized in the Netherlands, with proven results
- Helmet requirement: wearing a helmet is mandatory on Velosolutions PumpTracks
- Minimum lifespan of 20 years thanks to high-quality asphalt and expert installation
Do you want to know who we are and what our approach entails? Read more about us. Or get started right away: request a no-obligation consultation and discover what we can do for your municipality or recreation park.
