Klarenbeek breaks ground on Gelderland's first pumptrack for youth recreation
Residents of Klarenbeek can soon enjoy a new pumptrack, offering a safe and fun recreational space for all ages. The project, sparked by a 12-year-old’s letter, is part of a broader effort to boost livability and youth activities in the village.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | MFC Klarenbeek, Klarenbeek (municipality of Voorst) |
| Initiator | Nick van Oorspronk (12-year-old resident) |
| Construction Start | March 16, 2026 |
| Expected Opening | Before summer 2026 |
| Funding | 50% covered by Province of Gelderland via Dorpendeal subsidy scheme |
| Partners | Municipality of Voorst, Apeldoorn, Stichting MFC Klarenbeek, and others |
| Additional Projects | Sports park activities, expanded youth center |
The municipality of Voorst, in collaboration with local stakeholders, plays a key role in enhancing village livability through initiatives like Dorpendeal Klarenbeek. This project reflects the government’s commitment to supporting community-driven recreational and youth-focused developments. The Province of Gelderland provides financial backing to ensure such projects come to fruition.
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First shovelful of earth turned for pumptrack in Klarenbeek
On Monday, March 16, the first shovelful of earth was turned for the pumptrack in Klarenbeek. The new track will be built on the grounds of MFC Klarenbeek. Alderman Peter Wormskamp, together with Alderman Peter Messerschmidt of the municipality of Apeldoorn and local stakeholders, gave the official start to the construction. The official opening of the track is scheduled to take place before the summer.
The pumptrack in Klarenbeek is the first of its kind in the municipality of Voorst. A pumptrack is an asphalt-covered, continuous circuit with bumps and banked turns that follow each other in a rhythmic sequence. It is designed for, among other things, mountain bikes, scooters, and inline skates. By making a 'pumping' body movement, users can gain speed without pedaling or stepping. It is a safe and low-threshold recreational facility for all ages.
Initiative from a 12-year-old resident
The initial idea for the pumptrack dates back to 2021, when 12-year-old resident Nick van Oorspronk wrote a letter to then-mayor Jos Penninx: ‘I find it a bit boring in our village. There isn’t much to do for my age. Would it be possible to have a pumptrack in Klarenbeek?’
This marked the birth of the idea. A working group was formed under the banner of Stichting MFC Klarenbeek. The trial with a mobile pumptrack in 2023, despite the rain, was a huge success. The Dorpendeal Klarenbeek initiative provided the final push needed at the end of last year. The working group and the community together made agreements on the integration and rules for using the track.
Part of Dorpendeal Klarenbeek
Within Dorpendeal Klarenbeek, efforts are being made to enhance the livability of the village. There was a strong need and desire to offer more for young people. In addition to the pumptrack, over the next two years, a sports park manager will launch and support new activities at Sportpark De Pauw. The youth center will also be expanded. A successful collaboration between, among others, Klarenbeeks Belang, Stichting MFC Klarenbeek, Sportclub Klarenbeek, Jeugdclub Klarenbeek, Voorst Actief, the municipality of Apeldoorn, and the municipality of Voorst. The Province of Gelderland is funding half of the costs through the Dorpendeal subsidy scheme.
More information about Dorpendeal Klarenbeek
For more information about Dorpendeal Klarenbeek, you can contact Chris Frencken, coordinator of social initiatives, at 0571-27 92 68 or here.