If you caught our previous post, you might already be familiar with the many advantages that you can expect from investing in a pumptrack for your community or event.
In this post, we wanted to specifically discuss how modular pumptracks can positively impact your community.
1. You can take modular pumptracks to the people.
Modular pumptracks are portable, which means they are easy to share.
While we love pumptracks, the truth is many people still don’t know what they are. Innovating a way to make our pumptracks moveable was the solution to demonstrate all of the fun and excitement a pumptrack provides.
Special events and schools are great places to install a pumptrack. Students and riders of all ages have a blast as proven through the pictures and videos they share on their phones on Instagram, Facebook and other social platforms.
2. The prefabricated structure of a modular pumptrack reduces maintenance costs and associated liability.
Raise your hand if you’d like to own a house. Now, raise your hand if you’d like to pay for and perform all the maintenance that house requires. My guess is that the first option was far more popular than the second.
Investing in a public amenity is similar to purchasing a home. It's important to consider all aspects; from the initial investment to the ongoing maintenance costs, to the liability when the amenity isn't properly maintained.
That's where modular pumptracks prevail. Unlike dirt tracks, modular pumptracks require significantly less maintenance (see here for a comparison of pumptrack materials). Here are reasons why:
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The material used to create a modular pumptrack is harder than dirt (fiberglass, concrete or similar), which eliminates erosion concerns caused by riders and weather.
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The design’s rigidness preserves the angles of jumps and landing area conditions, making the overall experience safer and reducing liability for the track’s owner.
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If there is a damaged piece of track, it can be quickly and easily swapped out.
Mark Eller, communications director for the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), observes in this article for the Outdoor Industry Association that the stronger integrity of a modular pumptrack has led to an increase in their prevalence in bike parks:
“Prefabricated structures built offsite...are the new trend in urban bike park design. Their big advantage over dirt is that they retain their exact shape and riding quality with minimal maintenance over time.”
A blast to ride and a low-maintenance operation make modular pumptracks an innovative design sure to put smiles on everyone’s face.
3. They can be placed in areas that others cannot.
Modular pumptracks are a great active play option for unused spaces that won’t work for other applications like basketball courts, soccer fields or other public sports facilities. To encourage play and fitness, it's important that amenities like pumptracks are located in convenient places, especially for kids. Thus, “close proximity” has been trending in sports ministry. Placing a modular pumptrack in a neighborhood park, for example, allows kids to go and ride independently without requiring their parents’ supervision, and leads to the greatest amount of usage.
Modular pumptracks can fit in tighter, narrower spaces and can be placed directly on concrete, like an old parking lot. This makes them an active recreation solution for challenging spaces, increasing the number of happy, healthy people in your community.
4. They are a proof of concept in advance of a permanent installation.
Sometimes modular pumptracks are used to test long-term feasibility. Cost, community buy-in, and the track’s footprint are all factors that might compel you to consider this type of “try before you buy” approach.
Let’s dig into these motivating factors. Asphalt tracks are great fun and highly durable, but are more expensive and take more time to plan and build. Modular pumptracks are cheaper and easier to install and remove. They also let communities and its officials test-drive the pumptrack to make sure they like it; it’s important to make sure the patronage, size, location and impact will work for locals and officials alike.
So if you’re considering building a permanent pumptrack but looking for a way to dip your toe in first, consider doing a trial-run with a modular pumptrack. You can even move it to test various locations and find the perfect spot.
5. Capability for resale and high resale value.
Everyone loves a product that retains its value. The high-quality of PARKITECT modular pumptracks mean they retain their value and can easily be resold.
Unlike stationary pumptracks, modular pumptracks can be resold. We’ve learned through our customers that resold their modular pumptracks that it was easy to find a buyer and the pumptracks resold for a decent price. What does this look like in real life? It wouldn’t be uncommon for a pumptrack purchased for $30,000 to sell for $20k, or 60% of its original value, after two years.
From its flexibility to its safety and convenience, many communities are moving toward modular pumptracks to benefit their citizens. Are you ready to get on board? We'd love to chat.
👇What brings you to this post? We’d love to know! Tell us in the comments.👇
