More than 100 Dutch municipalities have since installed pumptracks, from small village communities to large cities. Pioneers such as Deventer, Almere, and Eindhoven consciously opted for this multifunctional concept because it caters to all ages and encourages physical activity. The positive experiences of these municipalities have led to the rapid spread of pumptracks throughout the Netherlands.
Which Dutch municipalities are pioneers with pumptracks?
The first Dutch municipalities to build pumptracks were Deventer, Almere and EindhovenThese cities recognized the potential of this concept for encouraging physical activity among all age groups early on. Deventer installed one of the first professional asphalt pumptracks in 2013 and immediately saw how children, young people, and adults began making extensive use of the facility.
By now, municipalities in all provinces have realized pumptracks, from small municipalities such as Tubbergen in Overijssel to large cities such as Utrecht and Rotterdam. The asphalt pump tracks prove suitable for both village centers and urban neighborhoods.
These pioneers opted for pumptracks because traditional skateparks and playgrounds serve only a limited target group. A pumptrack, on the other hand, attracts toddlers on balance bikes, schoolchildren on BMX bikes, teenagers on skateboards, and adults on mountain bikes. This broad reach makes the investment more cost-effective per user.
Why are more and more municipalities opting for a pump track?
Municipalities opt for pumptracks due to their broad target audience reach and cost-effectiveness.A traditional skatepark primarily serves teenagers, while a playground mainly attracts young children. A pumptrack, on the other hand, is used by all ages, from 2 to 80 years old.
The concept helps municipalities comply with WAS legislation (Amusement and Playground Equipment Act) while simultaneously tackling inactivity among residents. With the increasing focus on urban sports and promoting physical activity, pumptracks fit perfectly into current policy.
Moreover, pumptracks have a longer lifespan than traditional playground equipment. While wooden play equipment needs to be replaced after 8-10 years, a professionally installed asphalt pumptrack lasts 12-15 years with minimal maintenance. This makes the investment more attractive for municipalities with limited budgets.
What are municipalities' experiences with their pumptrack?
Municipalities report high user numbers and positive responses from residentsMost pumptracks are used intensively daily, especially after school and on weekends. Many municipalities are surprised by the wide range of usage: from parents coming with their children to seniors using the pumptrack for exercise.
Maintenance is manageable compared to other sports facilities. Asphalt pumptracks only need to be inspected and cleaned annually. There are no moving parts that can break or wooden elements that rot.
An unexpected benefit is the social function. Pumptracks become meeting places where different age groups help and learn from each other. This strengthens the community and contributes to social cohesion in neighborhoods. View our completed projects for inspiration about what is possible.
How big does a pumptrack need to be for a municipality?
The size of a pumptrack depends on the available space, the budget, and the expected number of users.A small municipality with 5.000 inhabitants can manage perfectly well with a compact design of 400-600 square meters. Larger cities often opt for pumptracks of 800-1.200 square meters.
For planning, you can count on approximately 1 square meter of pumptrack per 10 inhabitants as a rule of thumb. This provides sufficient capacity without users getting in each other's way. In limited space, it is better to choose a well-designed small pumptrack than a large one that is too cramped.
| Municipality size | Recommended pumptrack size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5.000 inhabitants | 400-600 m² | €80.000-€120.000 |
| 5.000-15.000 inhabitants | 600-800 m² | €120.000-€160.000 |
| From 15.000 inhabitants | 800-1.200 m² | €160.000-€240.000 |
How Velosolutions helps municipalities with the realization of a pumptrack
We guide municipalities from the initial consultation through to delivery and annual maintenance. Our comprehensive package ensures that you, as a municipality, are completely unburdened and receive a pumptrack that meets all legal requirements.
Our approach includes:
- Advice and design – Custom design that fits your space and budget
- WAS certification – Full certification according to the NEN-EN 14974 standard
- Professional aptitude – Experienced teams with 12 years of experience
- 5 year warranty – Assurance regarding quality and sustainability
- Annual maintenance – Maintenance of top condition and safety certificate
With more than 100 completed pumptracks in the Netherlands, we have proven that we can help municipalities create sustainable exercise facilities. Read more about us and discover how we can help your municipality as well. Request a no-obligation consultation to discuss the options for your municipality.
