A playground that remains empty is a waste. A waste of space, a waste of the budget, and a waste of the opportunity to get people moving. The best playgrounds attract visitors of all ages, are safe, and are used intensively for years. In this article, we list the eight best ways to make a playground more attractive, so that you, as a municipality or recreation park, can make an informed decision.
Whether you want to renovate an outdated playground or a completely new one outdoor sports facility If you want to build one, these tips will help you attract more visitors, retain them longer, and make an investment that truly pays off.
Why playgrounds deserve more visitors
Many play areas are underutilized. Not because people don't want to exercise, but because the facility doesn't align with what visitors are looking for. A traditional playground appeals to children up to about eight years old. A skatepark attracts a specific group of young people. But what do you do with the rest? Teenagers, parents, people with disabilities?
The question, therefore, is not just how to make a playground more beautiful, but how to make it more relevant to the widest possible group. That is precisely what the following eight tips address.
1: Opt for a multifunctional sports facility
A multifunctional outdoor sports facility serves multiple target groups simultaneously and thereby maximize the return on your investment. Instead of one facility for one group, you create a place where different people can go at the same time.
An asphalt PumpTrack is a good example of this. Such a track is suitable for bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and inline skates. Toddlers ride their balance bikes on it, teenagers practice tricks, and adults work on their fitness. This makes it a facility that is active throughout the day for a wide audience. See how an asphalt PumpTrack works and what this type of job could mean for your location.
2: Designed for all ages and levels
A good playground requires no one to have a certain skill level before they can participate. Design the facility so that beginners can start immediately and advanced users remain challenged.
In practice, this means variation in difficulty level, logical routing, and sufficient space so that visitors of different levels do not get in each other's way. A playground that is accessible to everyone automatically attracts more visitors and ensures repeat visits.
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3: Utilize scarce space as optimally as possible
Land is scarce, especially in urban environments. Every square meter counts. A smart playground makes the most of the available space by tailoring the design to the location and the desired target groups.
Compactly designed facilities such as a PumpTrack can be installed on relatively small surfaces while still offering a rich user experience. Combine this with a well-thought-out design, and you make optimal use of the space without compromising on usability.
4: Choose sustainable materials with a long lifespan
A playground that looks worn out after three years no longer attracts visitors. Sustainable materials are not only better for the environment, but also for your wallet in the long run.
Asphalt as a surface for a PumpTrack has a lifespan of at least 20 years. This makes it a stable investment compared to wooden or synthetic structures, which wear out or age more quickly. When choosing materials, always consider the total costs over the entire lifespan, not just the purchase price.
5: Comply with WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974
Safety is not an option; it is an obligation. In the Netherlands, playground equipment and sports facilities must comply with the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) and the associated standard NEN-EN 14974 for skate facilities.
A certified facility gives you, as a municipality or recreation park, the assurance that you meet legal requirements. It prevents liability issues and gives visitors the confidence that the site is safe. Always choose a supplier that provides certification as standard, not as an option.
6: Ensure low-threshold accessibility
A playground is only truly attractive if everyone can use it. This means: accessible routes for wheelchair users — including those with manual wheelchairs, without the need for a handbike — sufficient room to maneuver, and a design that invites people with disabilities to participate. Wearing a helmet is mandatory on Velosolutions PumpTracks, so that all users can safely enjoy the track.
Inclusivity is not a side issue. It significantly increases the reach of your facility and aligns with the social mission of municipalities to make public space accessible to everyone. View our completed projects and see how accessibility is implemented in practice.
7: Use proven concepts with reference projects
New concepts can be exciting, but for municipalities and recreation entrepreneurs, proof of success elsewhere is an important argument. A proven concept with concrete reference projects provides certainty regarding the outcome.
Ask each supplier about similar projects in other municipalities or parks. If possible, go and see for yourself or speak with managers who have been using the facility for a longer period. This will give you a realistic picture of what to expect in terms of usage, maintenance, and user experience.
8: Plan structural maintenance for continued use
A well-maintained playground remains attractive and safe. Structural maintenance is not an expense; it is an investment in the lifespan of your facility and the trust of visitors.
Schedule maintenance at fixed times of the year and ensure that minor defects are remedied quickly. Velosolutions offers annual inspection and maintenance, also via a maintenance contract, allowing you to fully outsource this work and prevent minor wear and tear from escalating into major repairs. When purchasing, also consider the warranty conditions: a supplier offering a five-year warranty stands behind their product.
How Velosolutions helps make playgrounds more attractive
Velosolutions is the market leader in the Netherlands for asphalt PumpTracks and offers the complete package: from design and construction to certification and annual maintenance. With more than 100 completed PumpTracks in the Netherlands and 12 years of experience, we know exactly what works.
- Multifunctional and inclusive: Our PumpTracks are suitable for all ages and all wheel types, from balance bikes to BMX, and are also accessible to users of manual wheelchairs.
- Fully certified: We provide a certificate as standard in accordance with WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974.
- Sustainable investment: lifespan of at least 20 years, with a 5-year warranty on all tracks
- Total care: from the initial consultation and design to delivery, annual inspection, and maintenance — also available via a maintenance contract
- Proven concept: concrete reference projects at municipalities and recreation parks throughout the Netherlands
Read more about us and discover why municipalities and recreation parks choose Velosolutions. Do you want to know what a PumpTrack can mean for your location? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
