Municipalities are increasingly opting for multifunctional outdoor play areas because they reach a broad audience with a single investment. Think of children playing outdoors, teenagers practicing tricks, and parents watching or joining in. Such places encourage physical activity, strengthen social cohesion in a neighborhood, and are usable all year round. In this article, we explain exactly what multifunctional outdoor play areas are, why municipalities are so enthusiastic about them, and what is involved.
What exactly are multifunctional outdoor play areas?
Multifunctional outdoor play areas are public spaces that serve multiple activities and target groups simultaneously. They combine playing, exercising, and meeting in one location, so that children, young people, and adults all benefit from them. Think of a combination of playground equipment, a skate park, a pump track, or a course for cycling and scooting.
The major difference compared to a traditional playground is the breadth of the target audience. Classic playground equipment primarily appeals to children up to about twelve years old. A multifunctional outdoor play area also attracts teenagers and adults, making the place more lively and socially safer. This way, playing outdoors does not become something you “outgrow,” but something that suits every stage of life.
Why do municipalities invest in outdoor play areas?
Municipalities invest in outdoor play areas because they contribute directly to public health, social cohesion, and the livability of neighborhoods. Increased physical activity outdoors reduces health complaints in the long term and provides children and young people with a positive place to go. This also has a preventive effect on nuisance in public spaces.
Moreover, outdoor play areas are relatively cost-effective when considering the number of people who use them. One well-designed location sometimes serves thousands of local residents per year. Municipalities are increasingly viewing this as a smart investment rather than a cost.
Social and societal added value
In addition to health benefits, outdoor play areas provide opportunities for social interaction. Children from different backgrounds play together, parents strike up conversations, and young people find a place where they are welcome. This contributes to a neighborhood where people feel at home. For municipalities working on inclusivity and social cohesion, this is an important argument.
What requirements do municipalities set for playground equipment and play areas?
Municipalities set legal and practical requirements for playground equipment and play areas. In the Netherlands, the following applies: Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS), which stipulates that playground equipment must be safe and comply with the NEN-EN 14974 standard. This means that materials, construction, and maintenance must all meet specific standards.
In addition to legal requirements, municipalities also consider accessibility, sustainability, and ease of maintenance. A playground that is worn out after two years or generates many complaints is not a good investment. Therefore, municipalities are increasingly requesting a complete package: from design and construction to annual inspection and maintenance.
What makes a pumptrack suitable for all ages?
A pumptrack is suitable for all ages because the track requires no minimum speed or strength. You ride through the hills and curves by shifting your weight, not by pedaling. This makes it accessible to a toddler on a balance bike as well as an adult on a BMX or mountain bike. Even people in wheelchairs or on scooters can use it.
The track has no hard-to-reach start or end point, no obstacles to overcome, and no speed bump. You simply get on and ride. Beginners ride at a steady pace, while advanced riders build up speed and learn tricks. That makes a permanent asphalt pumptrack So special: everyone can use it at the same time without getting in each other's way.
Would you like to see what this looks like in practice? View our completed projects for a good overview of what is possible in your municipality.
How does the construction process of a pumptrack work for municipalities?
The construction process of a pumptrack for municipalities proceeds in a number of clear steps: from the initial consultation and site assessment to design, construction, and completion with certification. The entire process takes several months on average, depending on the location, the size of the track, and municipal procedures.
Below you will find an overview of the steps in the process:
- Interview: Wishes, target audience, and location are discussed.
- Location assessment: The subsurface, space, and surroundings are analyzed.
- Design: A custom design is created based on the available space.
- Permit and approval: The municipality is following the necessary procedures.
- Construction: The pumptrack will be constructed in asphalt.
- Delivery and certification: The track will be delivered with a certificate in accordance with NEN-EN 14974.
Good communication during the process is important, especially for municipalities that need to involve multiple parties, such as neighborhood councils, schools, or sports clubs. The earlier this involvement is established, the greater the support for the new playground.
How do you maintain a permanent asphalt pumptrack?
You maintain a permanent asphalt pumptrack through annual inspection and periodic surface repairs. Asphalt is a durable material, but intensive use and weather conditions can cause small cracks or wear spots. By repairing these in a timely manner, the track remains safe and attractive for years.
Specifically, this concerns the following maintenance work:
- Annual visual and technical inspection
- Filling cracks or damage in the asphalt
- Checking the markings and any lines
- Keeping the track and the immediate surroundings clean
Compared to wooden or plastic playground equipment, an asphalt pump track requires relatively little maintenance. There are no loose parts that can rust, break, or come loose. This makes it a practical choice for municipalities looking to invest in a sustainable, low-maintenance outdoor play area.
How Velosolutions helps municipalities realize a pumptrack
Velosolutions guides municipalities from the initial idea through to the annual inspection. We provide the complete package: design, construction, certification, and maintenance. This saves municipalities a great deal of time and hassle, because you deal with a single point of contact who knows the entire process.
What we offer:
- Custom design tailored to the location and target audience
- Construction of permanent asphalt pumptracks complying with WAS and NEN-EN 14974
- Delivery including certificate
- Annual maintenance to keep the course in top condition
- Experience with more than 500 pumptracks worldwide
We work with municipalities that believe in the power of outdoor play and physical activity for everyone. Read more about us and discover how we have been working on better outdoor play areas for over ten years. Do you want to know what is possible in your municipality? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
