Public play facilities are changing rapidly. Municipalities are increasingly seeking solutions that serve more people, last longer, and cost less than traditional playgrounds or skate parks. The trends clearly point in one direction: multifunctional, inclusive, and urban. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about play facilities in 2025, enabling you as a municipality or recreation park to make well-informed choices.
What are the most important trends in public play facilities?
The most important trends in public play facilities are multifunctionality, inclusivity and urban sportsMunicipalities are investing less and less in single pieces of playground equipment and more and more in facilities that serve multiple age groups simultaneously, are usable all year round, and align with the popularity of skateboarding, cycling, and other urban sports.
While a traditional playground primarily serves preschoolers and a skatepark mainly attracts teenagers, policymakers are now seeking facilities that bridge that gap. Think of outdoor spaces that encourage physical activity without requiring a specific skill level or age. The emphasis is on low barriers to entry and high usage frequency.
In addition, sustainability plays an increasingly important role. Facilities made of high-quality asphalt or concrete last considerably longer than wooden or plastic playground equipment and require less replacement. Municipalities with limited budgets explicitly look at the total costs over the lifespan, not just the purchase price.
Why are more and more municipalities opting for multifunctional playgrounds?
Municipalities opt for multifunctional playgrounds because a single facility serves more users per square meter and per euro. With scarce land and limited budgets, it is inefficient to construct separate facilities for toddlers, teenagers, and adults. A multifunctional playground solves that problem immediately.
Traditional playgrounds often only reach children up to about ten years old. After that, young people disappear from the playground and end up behind screens. A multifunctional facility keeps older children, teenagers, and even adults active outdoors as well. This aligns directly with municipal policy regarding youth health and physical activity.
Moreover, multifunctional spaces are more attractive to holiday parks and campsites. Guests of all ages can use them simultaneously, which significantly increases the value of the investment for managers. View our completed projects to see how municipalities and recreation parks have put this into practice.
What's the difference between a pump track and a skate park?
The main difference between a pumptrack and a skatepark is accessibility. A skatepark is primarily designed for skateboarders and has steep elements that require specific skills. asphalt pump track is suitable for everyone on wheels: from a toddler on a balance bike to an adult on a BMX or scooter.
Below you will see the most important differences listed:
| Characteristic | Pump track | Skatepark |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | All ages, all wheels | Mainly teenagers and skaters |
| Jamb | Low, immediately usable | Higher, required skill level |
| Longevity | 8–12 years | Variable, depending on material |
| Maintenance | Low near asphalt | Higher with wooden elements |
| Certification | NEN-EN 14974, WAS | Depending on the version |
Building a pumptrack is therefore a broader investment than a skatepark. The track attracts not only skaters, but also cyclists, scooter riders, and wheelchair users. This makes the reach per euro significantly greater.
How popular will urban sports be in the Netherlands in 2025?
Urban sports will be one of the fastest-growing movement trends in the Netherlands in 2025. Sports such as BMX, skateboarding, scooting, and cycling on pumptracks are attracting more and more participants of all ages. Their popularity is further enhanced by the inclusion of skateboarding and BMX in the Olympic Games, which has enormously increased the visibility of these sports.
Municipalities are noticing this in practice: the demand for urban sports facilities is increasing, while the use of traditional playgrounds is stagnating. Young people seek challenge, freedom, and a social environment outdoors, and urban sports venues offer exactly that.
For recreation parks, urban sports have become a distinguishing factor. Guests consciously choose parks with active facilities. Installing a pumptrack at a campsite or holiday park attracts a younger target group and extends the length of stay. This makes it a commercially attractive investment, in addition to the social added value.
What legal requirements must a playground facility meet?
A public playground in the Netherlands must comply with the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) and the associated standard NEN-EN 14974This legislation sets requirements for the safety of the construction, the materials, and the annual inspection. Without a valid certificate, a playground facility may not be used by the public.
For municipalities, this is an important point of attention when purchasing new facilities. Not every concept on the market automatically meets these requirements. It is therefore important to ask the provider for the certificate and the inspection history.
In concrete terms, for a pumptrack this means:
- The track must be certified upon completion.
- An annual inspection is mandatory.
- The provider must have demonstrable expertise in WAS-compliant execution.
- Material use and construction must comply with the NEN standard.
Municipalities that pay insufficient attention to this risk liability in the event of incidents. Therefore, always ensure complete documentation upon delivery.
Which play facility offers the highest return per euro?
An asphalt pump track typically offers the highest return per euro of all public play facilities. The combination of a long lifespan (8 to 12 years), low maintenance costs, and a broad target audience makes the total investment per user lower than for a traditional playground or a skate park.
Return on investment is calculated not only based on the purchase price, but on the total costs over the lifespan, divided by the number of users. A playground that only serves preschoolers has a much smaller reach than a pump track that is used daily by dozens of users of all ages.
Factors that determine the return:
- Target audience reach: the more age groups, the more users per day
- LongevityAsphalt lasts considerably longer than wood or plastic
- Maintenance costs: low with well-laid asphalt
- Frequency of use: a pumptrack is usable all year round
- Certification costs: transparent and clear in advance
How Velosolutions helps build a pumptrack
Velosolutions is the market leader in the Netherlands, with over 100 installed pumptracks and 12 years of experience. We guide municipalities and recreation parks from the initial consultation through to completion and the annual inspection. This means complete peace of mind, with no surprises afterwards.
What we offer:
- Custom-designed asphalt pumptracks for every space and every budget
- Fully certified according to WAS legislation and NEN-EN 14974
- 5-year warranty on all pump tracks
- Annual maintenance to keep the course in top condition
- Lifespan of 8 to 12 years
- Suitable for all ages and all wheels, including wheelchairs.
Read more about us and discover why municipalities and recreation parks in the Netherlands choose Velosolutions. Do you want to know what installing a pumptrack costs or what it makes possible for your location? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
