Playing outdoors is good for children. Everyone knows that. But how do you, as a municipality, ensure that children actually go outside and stay active? The answer lies in the right combination of policy, space, and facilities that truly encourage physical activity. In this article, we explain step by step what municipalities can do to stimulate outdoor play in the neighborhood: from legal obligations to smart choices regarding play facilities.
Why do children play outside less nowadays?
Children play outside less because screens, busy streets, and a lack of attractive play areas make outdoor spaces less inviting. The combination of digital temptation and insufficient challenging facilities in the neighborhood means that many children prefer to stay indoors.
This is not a new problem, but it is becoming more urgent. Research and practical experience show that, on average, children spend fewer hours outdoors per day than a generation ago. The consequences are noticeable: more overweight, fewer social skills, and poorer motor development. At the same time, many traditional playgrounds are simply not exciting enough. A bench, a slide, and a seesaw no longer appeal to a ten-year-old. The challenge for municipalities, therefore, is not only to provide space but also to install facilities that truly entice children and teenagers to go outside.
What are the legal obligations of a municipality regarding play areas?
Municipalities are required to provide sufficient and safe play space based on the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS). This Act sets requirements for the safety of playground equipment and the surrounding area. Playground equipment must comply with the NEN-EN 1176 standard for playground equipment, or with NEN-EN 14974 for skate and similar facilities.
In addition to the WAS, many municipalities also have their own policy rules regarding playground standards, such as a minimum number of square meters of play space per home or per neighborhood. In practice, this means that as a municipality, you must regularly inspect, maintain, and certify. A playground facility that does not comply with the legislation is not only a risk to users but also a legal problem for the municipality itself. It is therefore wise to choose certified products that meet all requirements immediately when purchasing new facilities.
Which play facilities reach the most residents in a neighborhood?
Play facilities that reach the most residents are those accessible to multiple age groups simultaneously. A place where a toddler, a teenager, and an adult all have something to do consistently attracts more visitors than a facility aimed at a single age group.
The traditional playground primarily appeals to children up to about eight years old. A skatepark mainly attracts teenagers and young adults. However, a facility that caters to all ages maximizes the use of available space and budget. Consider accessibility as well: a play area that is wheelchair-friendly and easily accessible for people with disabilities further increases reach. Asphalt pump tracks are a good example of facilities that offer exactly this: from a toddler on a balance bike to an adult on a BMX, everyone is welcome.
How does a pumptrack differ from a skatepark or traditional playground?
A pumptrack differs from a skatepark and a traditional playground in that it is suitable for virtually all ages and all wheel types, does not require separate zones, and has a low barrier to entry for new users. Whereas a skatepark requires technical skills and a playground stops at Group 4, a pumptrack is immediately accessible to everyone.
Here is an overview of the main differences:
| Characteristic | Traditional playground | Skatepark | Pump track |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age range | 2 to 8 years | 12 to 25 years | 2 to 60+ years |
| Accessibility | Limited for the elderly | Requires skills | Direct for everyone |
| Wheelchair friendly | Partially | No | Ja |
| Maintenance | Intermediate | High | Low |
| Longevity | 10-15 | Changing | 8-12 |
| Certification | NEN-EN 1176 | NEN-EN 14974 | NEN-EN 14974 |
A pumptrack is also more versatile in use: bicycles, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, and even wheelchairs can all use the same track. This makes it a social meeting place rather than a facility for one specific group. View our completed projects to see what this looks like in practice.
How does a municipality practically approach the construction of a pumptrack?
The construction of a pumptrack begins with a site scan, followed by design, permit application, construction, and certification. The entire process takes several months on average and requires coordination between the municipality, the supplier, and sometimes local residents or user groups.
In practice, an approach looks like this:
- Determine location: Look at available space in the neighborhood, accessibility, and distance to homes.
- Have a design made: A good design takes into account the available space, the target group, and the environment.
- Apply for a permit: Depending on the municipality and location, an environmental permit may be required.
- Construction: The construction of an asphalt pumptrack requires specialized knowledge and manual labor for the correct curves and slopes.
- Certification: Upon completion, an inspection in accordance with WAS and NEN-EN 14974 will follow, so that the course may be officially put into use.
- Annual maintenance: A pumptrack remains in top condition with periodic inspection and minor maintenance.
It is smart to think about future use and potential expansions already in the design phase. A good design now saves costs later.
How much does a pumptrack cost and what does it yield for a municipality?
The investment in a pumptrack varies depending on size and design, but the total cost over its lifespan is low compared to other sports facilities. An asphalt pumptrack lasts 8 to 12 years with minimal maintenance, making the cost per user favorable over the years.
What does it yield for a municipality? More than just a playground. A pumptrack encourages physical activity among all ages, brings neighborhood residents together, and provides young people with a meaningful place to go. This has a positive effect on livability, social cohesion, and health in the neighborhood. For municipalities working on an active physical activity policy or an inclusive public space, a pumptrack is an investment with a broad societal return. Moreover, the low maintenance costs and long lifespan make the business case relatively easy to substantiate during a budget discussion.
How Velosolutions helps promote outdoor play in the neighborhood
Velosolutions is the market leader in the Netherlands with over 100 completed pumptracks and 12 years of experience. We guide municipalities from the initial consultation to final certification and annual maintenance. What we offer:
- A custom design that fits the available space and the neighborhood
- Full certification according to the WAS and NEN-EN 14974
- 5 year warranty on all pumptracks
- Annual maintenance to keep the track in top condition
- Broad target audience reach from toddler to adult, including wheelchair users
- Support in persuading decision-makers with concrete references and arguments
Read more about us and discover how we have already helped more than a hundred municipalities and recreation parks. Do you want to know what a pumptrack can mean for your neighborhood or municipality? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
