Written by Arjan Otter | Published on May 26, 2025
How do you transform a public space into a challenging sports venue that young people actually use? In this blog, we provide 7 tips for designing a freerunning location and explain why combining it with calisthenics and outdoor fitness is becoming increasingly attractive.
1. Choose a location that is visible and accessible
The location largely determines the success of freerunning. A good location is not tucked away on a leftover plot of land, but is visible, accessible, and logically integrated into the surroundings. Think of a spot near a school, in a park, at a sports park, or in a neighborhood where young people already gather. Good sightlines, ample space around the elements, and an open layout ensure that the place remains pleasant and clear.
2. Design the location for young people who want to move freely
Not every young person feels at home at a sports club. Some prefer to train independently, exercise with friends, or practice new tricks without a fixed schedule.
A location with diverse possibilities, such as for freerunning, offers that freedom. Young people determine their own level, route, and challenge. As a result, the place is used not only for sports but also for meeting each other, pushing boundaries, and being active in the outdoor space.
3. Think beyond individual obstacles
A good parkour zone does not consist of individual elements that happen to be placed together. Its strength lies in its coherence. Walls, platforms, bars, balancing elements, and jumping surfaces must logically connect with each other. Only then can flow be created. Users can combine movements, discover new routes, and repeatedly use the location.
4. Ensure challenge at every level
A strong freerunning spot is accessible to beginners and interesting for advanced users. Beginners need low elements, clear routes, and simple jumps. Advanced users, on the other hand, seek differences in height, technical transitions, and combinations that require more control.
By incorporating different levels into one design, the location remains attractive. New users can start slowly, while experienced freerunners find enough challenge to keep coming back.
5. Combine freerunning with calisthenics
Freerunning becomes stronger when combined with calisthenics. This sport focuses on strength, control and body mastery. Think of pull-ups, dips, hanging, and exercises using one's own body weight. This physical foundation complements freerunning well. By adding calisthenics, the location gains more training possibilities and becomes more attractive to enthusiastic users.
6. Make the location more versatile with outdoor fitness
Not everyone wants to jump or practice tricks. Therefore, outdoor fitness can be a good addition to a location where freerunning is practiced. Different target groups can use the same location for warming up, strength training, or functional exercises. This creates an outdoor sports location that can be used throughout the day.
7. Balance challenge and safety
Freerunning involves a challenge. That's what makes the sport attractive. At the same time, an freely accessible location must be designed responsibly. Safety isn't just about the surface. The layout of the spot is also important. Think of logical lines of movement, sufficient free space, appropriate distances between elements, and robust materials for intensive outdoor use.
Custom-designed freerunning location
No two locations are the same. The target group, available space, surroundings, and desired look determine how a freerunning location is best designed. By carefully considering use, safety, and layout in advance, a robust outdoor solution is created that appeals to young people and can also be used more broadly by the community.
SKOR helps with the design of freerunning locations in public spaces. Do you have questions about the possibilities or want to know what design suits your location? Call us at +31 88 008 1100 or send an email to info@skor.nl. We'd be happy to help you find a suitable solution.
Frequently asked questions
We have listed the frequently asked questions about freerunning for you here.
What is freerunning?
Freerunning is an urban sport in which participants use obstacles to jump, climb, balance, and move freely. The sport revolves around creativity, body control, and finding one's own path.
What's the difference between freerunning and parkour?
Freerunning and parkour are very similar. In parkour, the emphasis is primarily on moving efficiently from point A to point B. In freerunning, there is more room for creativity, jumps, tricks, and free movement.
What does a freerunning course consist of?
A freerunning course can consist of jumping elements, balancing equipment, climbing elements, and obstacles at different heights. The composition is tailored to the space, target group, and desired difficulty level.
Is a freerunning location suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, by cleverly combining equipment and obstacles, a location can be challenging for both beginners and advanced users.
Which surface is suitable for parkour equipment?
The right surface depends on the location, equipment setup, and fall height. The design takes into account comfort, safety, free space, and the application of the equipment.
Can SKOR help design a freerunning location?
Yes, SKOR thinks along about the available space, target group, choice of equipment, routing, subsoil and design. This results in a suitable freerunning location for your project.
