They can be found in more and more cities and are becoming more and more popular. Wiesbaden is no exception. We are talking about pump tracks. By shifting your body weight and centre of gravity, you ride your skateboard, bike or scooter over the bumps of the track and work up quite a sweat.
The first modular pump track in Wiesbaden was opened during the "Rollt" skating festival held in the Kulturpark in spring 2018. This has always been the home of Wiesbaden's skate scene, with the local skating hall and a skatepark. The uniqueness of the location with the event halls of the Kulturzentrum Schlachthof e.V., the local graffiti scene and numerous creative artists also attracts people from the surrounding cities. An ideal location to try out new trends.
Funded by the Office of Social Work and in cooperation with the Parks Department, the pump track was initially installed temporarily on an existing open space. However, the intensive use of the facility soon led to conflicts with other user groups from the boules and basketball scene.
After completion of the southernmost section of the park in 2020, the pump track has now been moved to a new and permanent location. As a positive consequence, visitors immediately embraced and made use of the new site. That is where the advantages of the modular pump track, which allows a high degree of flexibility, become apparent. The modular pump track can be dismantled and assembled at any time within one day for small events and large festivals that take place in the park.
Inspired by the pump track in the Kulturpark, a group of children and young people aged between 9 and 14 in the Delkenheim district approached the local advisory council shortly afterwards. They had developed ideas for a mountain bike trail and presented them to the mobile youth work, the parks department and the local advisory council at a joint meeting. Both dirt parks to be built by the youths themselves and various types of pump tracks were up for discussion. After weighing up all the pros and cons, the decision was ultimately made in favour of a modular pump track called Sidewinder. What was decisive was that the facility could be easily financed and quickly installed. Extensive planning and approval procedures were not necessary.
85,000 euros in funding were provided at short notice through the city's “Handlungsprogramm Jugend” (Youth Action Programme). Under this programme, places for young people in the city of Wiesbaden are planned and implemented with the help of different departments. The projects include everything from new recreation areas and simple canopies to opportunities for sporting activities. The implementation of a pump track initiated by young people fit the bill perfectly.
The site chosen was a bleak and desolate kick-about area that had been unused for several years and was considered ideal by all those involved, as the area could now be put to a new use. The site is ideally located somewhat away from residential buildings, so that the young people have now been able to make this place their new retreat.
The design of the pump track was developed together with young people and the mobile youth work. The construction was supervised by the Parks Department, and the young people themselves lent a hand in building the pump track. The participation of the future user group was very important to all those involved in the planning process and was a key factor in the success of the facility.
It took only nine months for the idea to be put into practice, so that pump track no. 2 in Wiesbaden could be opened as early as spring 2021. But all good things come in threes.
In the Nordenstadt district, however, the project got off to a somewhat different start. Here, young people had already built a bicycle parkour for themselves at the edge of the green space and constantly adapted it. While this independence, initiative and proactive approach on the part of the young bikers is to be appreciated in principle, it was not in line with the goals of maintaining and developing the green spaces at this location. However, moving to other and distant areas was not a viable option.
In order to find a promising solution, it was decided to draw on the now well-established cooperation between the authorities, the local advisory council and the active athletes. Together with the mobile youth work staff who moderated and mediated between all parties involved, constructive discussions were held with the children and young people until an alternative solution was found at the end of the process. The result was a modular pump track designed by the young people in line with their wishes. Of course, they were also allowed to help with the construction. Funding was also provided through the Youth Action Programme.
In Nordenstadt, the pump track has helped to revitalize the entire green space. Expanded to include a new playground, seating and a composting toilet, this facility has turned into a new magnet for visitors.
By now, there are plans in the pipeline to build another pump track. There is a huge demand. Whether quieter but non-variable asphalt pump tracks will be chosen in the future must be decided depending on the location. It is the responsibility of the Parks Department to maintain all the pump tracks.
Experience has shown that the facilities are actively used by all age groups. Based on the observations of the Parks Department and discussions with users, it is a good idea to combine two tracks in one pump track because of the different speeds. It is recommended to have a separate track near the playground for the very little ones. In this way, conflicts can be avoided.
‘With modular pump tracks, we aim to encourage children and young people to move on wheels and rollers. The modular pump track already plays a significant role in holistic movement solutions and will be an integral part of such solutions in the future,’ says Mike Maurer, new Managing Director of Allegra Movement GmbH.
It will be exciting to see where exactly the next pump track will be built. At least one thing is certain: further facilities are in the pipeline.
In Bonn, a particularly creative combination of a pump track and a bowl is currently being built, which is also designed for WCMX riders (wheelchair motocross athletes) to enable inclusive participation.
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