Playing outdoors has become less of a given for many children and young people than it used to be. Yet, it is possible to make outdoor play facilities attractive enough to be busy all year round, by all ages. The answer lies in smart choices: opt for a versatile, weather-resistant facility that challenges, is accessible to everyone, and requires little maintenance. A permanent asphalt pumptrack is one such facility. In this article, we explain why and what you need to know.
Why do children and young people play outside less?
Children and young people play outside less because screens, social media, and gaming consume a larger portion of their free time. In addition, the availability of outdoor facilities plays a major role: if the playground is only for toddlers or the skatepark only for advanced skaters, many young people simply drop out.
Municipalities and recreation parks see this reflected in practice. Traditional playgrounds are quickly deemed too childish as soon as children leave primary school. Skateparks, on the other hand, present a high barrier for beginners. The result is an age gap: there is little that actively draws teenagers and young adults outdoors. And this is despite the fact that outdoor activity demonstrably contributes to the mental and physical health of young people.
The challenge for municipalities is therefore not only to construct playgrounds, but to create facilities that are truly inviting for a broad age group, all year round.
What makes an outdoor play facility attractive all year round?
An outdoor play facility is attractive all year round if it is weather-resistant, offers challenges on multiple levels, and is suitable for various ages. Material, design, and accessibility together determine whether people return, even in autumn or winter.
Concrete and asphalt offer a major advantage over wooden or synthetic structures in this regard. They are resistant to frost, rain, and sun and do not need to be closed off in the winter. As a result, a well-designed asphalt pump track is usable all year round, even when it is a bit chilly.
But weather resistance alone is not enough. A provision must also be challenging enough for returning visitorsIf someone has seen everything after three visits, they won't come back. A pumptrack offers progression: beginners learn the basics, while advanced riders constantly discover new ways to ride faster or more technically. That keeps it interesting, even for regular visitors.
Which outdoor facility serves the largest target group?
A permanent asphalt pump track serves the largest target group of all outdoor play facilities. From a toddler on a balance bike to an adult on a BMX or skateboard: everyone can use it. The track is also accessible to people in wheelchairs or with a handbike.
That is a fundamental difference compared to most other facilities. A playground is primarily for children up to about ten years old. A skatepark requires specific skills and has a high barrier to entry. A football field attracts only one sport. A pumptrack combines all of this: bicycles, skateboards, scooters, inline skates—everything is welcome.
For municipalities and recreation parks with limited budgets and scarce land, that is a significant advantage. You invest in a single facility that serves the widest possible group, from young to old. See what an asphalt pumptrack entails and why this concept works so well for diverse target groups.
How does a pumptrack differ from a skatepark?
The main difference between a pumptrack and a skatepark is accessibility. A skatepark is designed for skaters with some basic skill, while a pumptrack is immediately usable by anyone with wheels, without prior knowledge or special equipment.
Below you will see the most important differences listed:
| Characteristic | Pump track | Skatepark |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | All ages, all wheels | Skaters and advanced BMX riders |
| Entry threshold | Low, immediately usable | Average to high |
| Maintenance | Minimal, sustainable asphalt | More wear and tear, higher costs |
| Longevity | 8 to 12 years | Changing |
| Certification | WAS and NEN-EN 14974 | Not always certified |
A pumptrack consists of hills and curves that you can ride through by “pumping” (moving your body up and down) without pedaling. That sounds simple, but it requires technique and coordination. As a result, it remains challenging, even for advanced riders. A skatepark offers different challenges but appeals to a much smaller audience.
Would you like to see what this looks like in practice? View our completed projects and discover what is possible in your municipality or on your premises.
What are the costs and lifespan of a permanent pump track?
A permanent asphalt pump track has a lifespan of 8 to 12 years and low annual maintenance costs. The investment varies depending on the size and design, but the cost per user, viewed over the entire lifespan, is low compared to other sports facilities.
That makes a pump track a sensible choice for municipalities that want to get maximum return on their budget. Traditional playground equipment requires regular replacement of parts, is more susceptible to vandalism, and has a shorter lifespan. Asphalt is robust, weather-resistant, and requires little interim maintenance.
In addition to the purchase costs, it is smart to look at the total cost of ownership: the total costs over the entire lifespan, including maintenance, inspections, and any repairs. For a well-built asphalt pump track, these costs are clear and predictable. Annual maintenance keeps the track in top condition and extends its lifespan.
How does a pump track comply with WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974?
A pump track complies with WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974 by being designed, built, and certified according to the applicable Dutch standards for amusement and playground equipment. Upon completion, you will receive an official certificate demonstrating that the facility is safe and legally compliant.
The Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) obligates municipalities and operators to have playground equipment inspected and maintained. NEN-EN 14974 is the specific European standard for skate facilities and pumptracks. Together, these standards provide a clear framework: what is permitted, what is mandatory, and how safety is ensured.
For municipalities, this is not a detail, but a basic requirement. A facility without certification entails legal and financial risks. If you choose a certified pumptrack, you can be certain that you meet all obligations and that users can play and exercise safely.
How Velosolutions helps make outdoor play attractive all year round
Velosolutions offers the complete package, from design to certification and annual maintenance. We help municipalities and recreation parks realize an outdoor facility that really works: for all ages, all year round, and with all the necessary certifications.
- Custom-designed asphalt pumptracks that suit your location, target audience, and budget
- Fully certified in accordance with WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974, including certificate upon completion
- 5 year warranty on all pumptracks and a lifespan of 8 to 12 years
- Annual maintenance so that the track always remains in top condition
- More than 100 pumptracks realized in the Netherlands, with 12 years of experience as a market leader
- Accessible to everyone, from toddler to adult, including wheelchair users
Read more about us and discover why municipalities and recreation parks in the Netherlands choose Velosolutions. Ready to explore the possibilities for your location? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
