The best season to build a PumpTrack is the spring or early autumnDuring those periods, temperatures are favorable for asphalt paving, the soil is easy to work, and you have sufficient time to put the track into use before it gets really cold. Summer seems logical, but in practice, it is not always the smartest choice. Below, we explain why, and how to approach planning smartly, for each question.
What weather is suitable for installing a PumpTrack?
To lay an asphalt PumpTrack, you need dry weather with a temperature of at least 5 degrees CelsiusAsphalt must be laid and compacted at the correct temperature to ensure good adhesion and maintain the desired shape. Rain or frost during laying causes problems with adhesion and the finish.
In concrete terms, this means that the construction season runs from April to October, depending on the year. However, not all months in that period are equally suitable. Strong winds, extreme heat, or sudden rain showers can delay the work or affect quality. A period of stable weather lasting several consecutive working days is ideal.
At Asphalt PumpTracks Manual processing is an important part of the process. This requires precise work under good conditions. The more stable the weather, the better the end result.
Why is summer not always the best season for asphalt paving?
Summer seems like the perfect time, but in practice, it brings with it a number of disadvantages. Extreme heat above 30 degrees makes asphalt more difficult to work with: it cools down faster than expected or, conversely, too slowly, which complicates compaction. Moreover, summer is the busiest period for asphalt companies, making planning less flexible.
In addition, municipalities and recreation parks often make full use of their outdoor spaces during the summer. Work in a busy park or play area requires extra barriers, communication with visitors, and sometimes temporary diversions. This makes the logistics more complex.
Finally: if you start in August, you have little margin if the project runs into delays. You might run right up against the first cold nights of September, which can complicate delivery and finishing.
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When is the ideal time to schedule a PumpTrack?
The ideal time to start planning is at least 6 to 9 months before the desired completion dateThis provides room for the design, the permitting procedure, the tendering, and coordinating the construction time with the weather and the availability of the contractor.
Do you want to deliver the PumpTrack in the spring so that it can be used extensively during the summer season? Then it is smart to in the autumn or winter of the previous year to start with the preparations. This way, you will have everything ready in the first quarter of the new year, and construction can start immediately as soon as the weather permits.
Step-by-step planning for a smooth delivery
- Month 1-2: Orientation, location selection, and initial conversations with a designer
- Month 3-4: Develop design, request quotes, submit permit
- Month 5-6: Permit received, final contractor schedule
- Month 7-8: Construction and finishing
- Month 9: Handover, inspection and opening
How long does it take to install a PumpTrack?
The actual construction of an asphalt PumpTrack takes on average 3 to 7 working days, depending on the size and complexity of the design. A smaller track for a neighborhood or recreation park is completed faster than an extensive circuit with multiple lines and elevation changes.
However, do not count the construction time as the total lead time. Earthworks, material transport, and any installation of drainage or foundations must be added to this. In practice, you plan for the complete execution on site. 1 to 2 weeks.
After construction, the asphalt needs time to fully harden before the track can be put into use. This usually takes a few days to a week. Only then does the official inspection follow.
Can a PumpTrack also be installed in the winter?
In principle NOT ALLOWEDAsphalting is irresponsible at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. The material does not adhere well, compaction is not achieved properly, and the quality of the road surface is compromised. Frost in the subsoil is an even greater problem, as it can damage the foundation.
There are tasks you can carry out in the winter, such as preparing the site for construction, installing drainage, or performing earthworks. This saves time once the construction season begins. This way, you can start asphalt paving immediately in the spring instead of spending weeks on preparation first.
Would you like to know what can be arranged for your project as early as winter? View our completed projects for a good overview of what is possible.
What are the benefits of mooring outside the high season?
Installation in the spring or autumn has a number practical benefits compared to the summer. The schedule is more flexible, the contractors are less busy, and you have more room to carry out the work calmly and carefully without time pressure.
Moreover, the area is less busy in the spring and autumn. Parks and playgrounds are used less intensively then, which limits the nuisance for local residents and visitors. This makes communication and coordination with the surrounding area much easier.
Another advantage: if you complete the project in the spring, the court will be ready just in time for the summer season. That is the time when children, young people, and adults are outdoors the most, and the court is immediately used intensively. Good timing ensures a flying start for the new facility.
How Velosolutions helps with the planning of your PumpTrack
At Velosolutions, we guide municipalities and recreation parks from the initial idea through to completion. We offer annual inspection and maintenance, including via a maintenance contract. We know the pitfalls of poorly timed construction and help you structure the schedule so that the construction time aligns with the weather, the permitting process, and the use of the site.
- More than 100 PumpTracks Built in the Netherlands, with 12 years of experience as a market leader
- Fully certified according to WAS legislation and NEN-EN14974, including 5-year warranty
- Suitable for all ages and all wheels: bicycle, skateboard, scooter, and inline skates
- Lifespan of at least 20 years with low maintenance and annual inspection and maintenance option, also via a maintenance contract
- Part of the global Velosolutions network with 35 partners
Read more about us and discover how we work, or request a no-obligation consultation to discuss the best time for installation for your situation.
