Urban Sports

The term ‘urban’ means ‘city-like’ and is generally used to refer to movements within music, dance and art. In recent years, urban is increasingly used in sports. A good example is calisthenics. Calisthenics is a movement in outdoor fitness where strength training is done with minimal equipment. These bodyweight exercises are excellent to perform in Urban Sport Parks. This makes a gym subscription unnecessary!

Urban sports is the collective term for sports and exercise activities within the built-up environment. Yet Urban Sports is not the same as sports in the public space. Urban is the ‘street’ or ‘urbanised’ version of a sport. There are also sports that have their origin in the street. Think for example of parkour (freerunning). Yet there are also ‘standard’ popular sports that have been transformed into an urban variant. Think for example of calisthenics, 3×3 basketball and street football.

Urban Sports has grown in popularity because it offers a perfect alternative for sportsmen and women who do not want to practise their sport in a club setting. The fact that it is non-committal and unconstrained plays a major role in this. Often not many materials are needed to practise an Urban Sport. This means that Urban Sports is not only informal but also accessible.

Urban Sports is a good outcome for both sportsmen and sportswomen as well as for municipalities. On the one hand, Urban Sports offer sporters the possibility to exercise in a casual and accessible way. On the other hand, with Urban Sports, municipalities have an excellent opportunity to achieve policy objectives regarding exercise, healthy lifestyle and sports participation.

This new way of playing sports/mobility is a stimulus for young and old to participate in society in a healthier and more active way. Urban Sports parks also contribute to a trendier image, without making huge investments. After all, locations for Urban Sports are cheaper than official sports facilities.

Investing in Urban Sports is interesting for government authorities, such as municipalities. Municipalities can profile themselves with Urban Sports. It also contributes to sports participation. Urban Sports therefore help to achieve policy objectives. Investing in sports and exercise in the public space is important.

The use of Urban Sports parks is most interesting for sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages who do not have the time, money or desire to practise a sport at a club. Nevertheless, Urban Sports are also performed in groups. Thanks to the formation of communities, people also get to know new people.

We work closely with specialised and certified partners in the areas of design, realisation, maintenance and inspection. Not only the quality of the furnishing materials for Urban Sports locations is important, but also the correct method of placement and advice on the right type of surface in accordance with the current guidelines.

Thanks to the growing popularity of Urban Sports, new developments are constantly taking place. As awareness of different Urban Sports continues to grow, one of the latest developments is that several Urban Sports have been added to the programme of the Olympic Games. In addition, influencers, ambassadors and well-known brands are helping to improve the sport. SmartGoals, for example, has developed the Urban SkillCourt. A field on which all kinds of sports are enhanced through gamification. The technology of SmartGoals stimulates athletes to measure and improve their performance.