Dream comes true for Koen and Hidde (12): their own pump track in Nieuw-Buinen

Koen and Hidde have been friends since nursery school. They both love being outside with their skateboard or BMX bike. “A pump track is a track with a series of bumps,” Koen explains. “You can do tricks with a skateboard, skates, a scooter or a bike – basically anything with small wheels. We just didn’t have a track like that anywhere near here.”

In the summer of 2022, when boredom got the better of them, the boys decided to take action. Their parents advised them to write a letter to the mayor. Not long after, they were invited for a meeting with the mayor and an alderman. Hidde recalls: “The mayor asked what a pump track actually is and what our ideas were. He thought it was a great plan.”

Then they had to wait a long time. “Sometimes we heard the track was coming, but then nothing would happen,” says Koen. “That was the hardest part.” But instead of giving up, the boys decided to push on. They launched a petition in the village to show there was broad support for the idea and that many children wanted a pump track nearby. With success: a first sketch of the pump track was produced. “When we saw it, we were immediately thrilled. We were actually getting a pump track in Nieuw-Buinen!” says Hidde.

Koen’s father David also played a major role in the process. “To keep the pressure on, I sent dozens of letters to the municipality in the background, had meetings with politicians, and approached a number of funds. I also helped the boys apply for subsidies.” The biggest challenge turned out to be funding. A key breakthrough came through Rabo BuurtSupport, the program with which Rabobank supports local initiatives that contribute to a strong and liveable neighborhood.

David: “One evening I was pointed towards Rabo BuurtSupport. I submitted an application and we were then surprised with a donation of €20,000. Thanks to this contribution, the municipality was really able to move forward, which meant the project gained momentum.” Hidde adds: “We were so happy when we heard about the donation from Rabobank and immediately got together to celebrate.”

Rabobank is a cooperative bank. This allows us to be more meaningful for our customers, members and society. We return a part of our profits to the community, for example through initiatives supporting healthy, vibrant neighborhoods and clubs. We involve our members in this. The local members’ council determines the annual amount for contributions and selects which projects receive funding.

Gonja Hospers, a member of members’ council Het Drentse Land, says:

“We couldn’t help but smile when we read the application for a pump track. Two young boys with an idea, submitting an application on behalf of a large group of young people. Boys who want to burn their energy outside, cycling or scooting at great speed, and let others enjoy it too. Healthy living, in the neighborhood and freely accessible to a lot of people – this initiative is a perfect fit for Rabo BuurtSupport. During a sports clinic, all the primary schools in the village were able to get to know this beautiful track. It’s wonderful to put the money to use for the local community this way. When I spoke to Hidde recently and asked if he was satisfied, he said he was very happy with it… but also already has ideas for a great improvement to the track.”

After more than three and a half years of waiting, the track was officially opened at the end of 2025. The boys are very happy that their idea became reality. “We couldn’t have wished for a better track,” says Koen. Today, the pump track is an indispensable part of Nieuw-Buinen. Children from all over the village come together to do sport, play outside and make new friends. “Our dream really has come true,” says Koen proudly.

This article was produced in collaboration with RTL Nieuws/ RTL Z.