Temporary play solutions are facilities that municipalities deploy for a specific period without constructing permanent infrastructure. Examples include movable playground equipment, mobile skate elements, or temporary sports facilities that can be quickly installed and removed. They offer flexibility but also entail limitations. In this article, we explain when temporary solutions are useful, what the disadvantages are, and when a permanent facility, such as a asphalt PumpTrack, is a better choice for your municipality.
When do municipalities opt for a temporary play solution?
Municipalities opt for a temporary play solution when there is uncertainty regarding the permanent use of a location, when a budget is not yet fully available, or when something is needed quickly for an event or temporary project. It is a way to respond quickly to a need without entering into a long-term commitment.
Concrete situations in which municipalities opt for temporary measures include:
- A vacant site that is temporarily assigned a purpose while plans are being developed
- A pilot to test whether residents have a need for a specific type of play facility
- An event or festival where temporary additional sports facilities are desired
- Bridging during the renovation of an existing playground
In all these cases, speed and flexibility a major role. A temporary solution can be deployed quickly and is relatively easy to relocate. For municipalities with tight schedules or unclear future plans for a location, this can be a logical first step.
What are the disadvantages of temporary play solutions?
Temporary play solutions offer less long-term value than permanent facilities. They have a shorter lifespan, higher costs per year of use, and offer less comfort and quality. Moreover, they do not always meet the strict requirements of WAS legislation, which poses risks for municipalities.
The main disadvantages at a glance:
- Higher total costs: Temporary solutions seem cheaper, but costs quickly add up due to rent, relocation, and replacement.
- Lower quality: Materials are less robust and less resistant to intensive use and varying weather conditions.
- Limited target group: Many temporary facilities focus on a narrow age group, as a result of which the reach remains limited.
- Lower safety: Temporary structures offer fewer guarantees regarding safety and certification.
- No identity for the neighborhood: A temporary facility is not experienced in the same way as a permanent, recognizable place in the neighborhood.
For municipalities working with a limited budget and scarce land, it is therefore important to carefully consider whether a temporary solution is truly the most efficient use of resources.
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What is the difference between a temporary and a permanent play facility?
The most important difference is lifespan, quality and total investmentA temporary play facility is designed for short-term use and is easily movable. A permanent facility is founded, durably constructed, and designed for intensive use over a period of at least 20 years.
Here is an overview of the main differences:
| Characteristic | A temporary solution | Permanent facility |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | 1 to 3 years | At least 20 years old |
| Costs per year | Relatively high | Low due to long lifespan |
| Target audience | Limited | Broad, all ages |
| Maintenance | Variable, less predictable | Plannable, low with quality execution |
| Certification | Not always present | Fully certified (NEN-EN 14974) |
| Flexibility | Tall, easy to move | Low, fixed location |
A permanent facility requires a higher initial investment, but generates significantly more value per user over its entire lifespan. This makes it the wiser choice for most municipalities in the long run.
When is a permanent PumpTrack better than a temporary solution?
A permanent PumpTrack is better than a temporary solution when you have a location that is available long-term, want to serve a broad target audience, and desire certainty regarding safety and certification. A permanent asphalt PumpTrack has a lifespan of at least 20 years and is suitable for everyone: from a toddler on a balance bike to an adult on a BMX.
Choose a permanent PumpTrack if:
- The location is available for several years
- You want to invest in a facility that appeals to all ages.
- You want to comply with WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974 certification.
- You want low maintenance costs over the entire term
- You want to create a recognizable, permanent sports venue in the neighborhood
Do you want to see what has already been achieved in other municipalities? View our completed projects for concrete examples and inspiration.
How do temporary play solutions comply with WAS legislation?
In principle, temporary play solutions must also comply with the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS), but in practice, this is far from always the case. The WAS sets requirements for the safety of playground equipment that is accessible to the public, regardless of whether it is installed temporarily or permanently.
The WAS legislation requires, among other things:
- A valid inspection by a recognized inspection body
- Regular checks and maintenance
- Documentation and certification of the materials used and construction
The problem with temporary solutions is that suppliers do not always provide all the necessary documentation, or that the structure is not designed with the NEN-EN 14974 standard in mind. As a municipality, you are responsible for the safety of the facility, even if it is temporary. A missing certificate can lead to liability in the event of accidents. It is therefore important to check in advance whether all certifications are present for every play solution, whether temporary or permanent.
How Velosolutions helps choose the right play solution
At Velosolutions, we believe that municipalities do not have to settle for temporary or half-hearted solutions. We offer permanent asphalt PumpTracks that fully comply with WAS legislation and are certified according to NEN-EN 14974. Our tracks are designed for all ages and all wheels, from balance bikes to BMX, from skateboards to inline skates. Wearing a helmet is mandatory on all Velosolutions PumpTracks.
What we offer:
- Completely unburdened: From the initial consultation and design to construction, certification, and annual maintenance — also available via a maintenance contract.
- 5 year warranty on all PumpTracks, with a lifespan of at least 20 years
- Broad target audience reach: From toddler to adult, including accessibility for manual wheelchairs
- Proven concept: More than 100 PumpTracks realized in the Netherlands, 12 years of market leadership
- Low maintenance costs thanks to high-quality asphalt construction with specialized manual processing
Discover who we are and read more about our approach and working methods. Do you want to know what a permanent PumpTrack can mean for your municipality? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
