Written by Danique Leuverink | Published on March 23, 2026
The way we design sports parks and public spaces is changing. While sports parks used to be primarily intended for clubs and their members, a new generation of outdoor spaces is now emerging: meeting places.
This development is no coincidence. Municipalities, clubs, and other parties are looking for ways to utilize spaces more smartly, get more people active, and simultaneously strengthen social connections. Meeting places precisely address this need and are therefore rapidly gaining popularity.
From sports park to meeting place
Traditional sports parks are often only used in the evenings. During the day, the fields are empty, while many municipalities actually need locations where people can gather, exercise, and spend time. Especially in urban areas, where space is scarce, this is seen as a missed opportunity.
At meeting parks, it works differently. Existing sports locations are transformed into multifunctional places that are used throughout the day by young and old, athletes and non-athletes. The sports park changes from a place where you only come to play sports, to a place where you also meet and relax.
What is a meeting park?
A meeting park is a place where sports, recreation, and encounters come together. It is no longer a closed off area, but an open and accessible environment that becomes part of the neighborhood.
Characteristics of a meeting park:
- Multiple functions in one location
- Accessible to various target groups
- Combination of activity and relaxation
- Strong connection with the surroundings
What distinguishes a meeting park from a traditional sports park is the focus on use and experience. It's not just about sports facilities, but about how a place attracts and activates people.
Why Meeting Parks are Becoming Increasingly Popular
Space is becoming scarcer
Municipalities need to manage available space more intelligently. By combining functions, you get more out of the same location. Sports parks offer the right square meters and therefore form a logical place to bring multiple functions together.
Health is central
Exercise is becoming increasingly important, but not everyone is a member of a sports club. Meeting parks make exercise accessible to a wide target group. Think of the elderly, young people, and those who do not participate in organized sports but are active outdoors.
More need for connection
Social connection plays an increasingly important role. People are looking for places where they can come together without direct obligations. Meeting parks offer this informal setting.
The role of sports clubs is changing
Many meeting parks are created around sports clubs. This is logical: they already have the space and facilities. This changes their role. Clubs are increasingly involved in social issues. This allows them to grow into a place where more happens than just sports. This also requires a different way of organizing and thinking. Clubs more often collaborate with municipalities, healthcare institutions, and welfare organizations to optimally utilize the meeting park.
Layout determines success
A community park doesn't just happen. The layout plays a crucial role in how a place is used.
Consider:
- Outdoor fitness and exercise areas
- Multifunctional sports fields
- Seating areas and meeting zones
- Open and accessible routing
In addition, it is important that the layout matches the target group and the environment. A well-designed community park feels logical and invites use.
Community parks are not a hype
The figures and developments show that this movement is structural. More and more municipalities are focusing on multifunctional sports parks that contribute to health and social connection. Community parks are therefore not a temporary trend, but a logical next step in the design of our outdoor space.
This development aligns with broader societal themes such as aging, health, and liveability. As a result, the demand for such places will only increase in the coming years.
What does this mean for the future?
The expectation is that more and more traditional sports parks will transform into meeting parks. The demand is increasingly less about individual products and more about the overall picture. Municipalities and other parties are looking for a solution that contributes to multiple objectives simultaneously.
By combining sports facilities with clever design and attention to use, we help create outdoor spaces where meeting and moving come together. SKOR actively participates in this thinking process, ensuring that outdoor spaces are actually used. This creates a future-proof outdoor space that contributes to a healthy and connected society.
Frequently asked questions
We have listed the most frequently asked questions about meeting parks for you here.
What is a meeting park?
A meeting park is a public space where sports, recreation, and social interaction come together. It is an accessible environment designed not only for sports clubs but for a broad target group from the neighborhood.
What is the difference between a meeting park and a sports park?
A traditional sports park is primarily used by club members and often only at specific times. A meeting park is multifunctional, publicly accessible, and used throughout the day by various target groups.
What functions does an encounter park have?
A meeting park combines various functions, such as sports facilities, exercise areas, seating areas, and meeting zones. This creates a place where people can exercise, relax, and meet each other.
Who are meeting parks intended for?
Meeting parks are for everyone: from children and young people to adults and the elderly. People who are not members of a sports club can also use the facilities.
