From the series "Sports, recreational facilities - trends 2025"
Modern public space is undergoing a dynamic transformation. Sports and recreational facilities today are not only utility infrastructure, but also a tool for social integration, promotion of healthy lifestyles and an attractive urban element. On the Polish market, one of the companies setting the directions of development in this sector is the DOL-ek Green Areas Shaping Company with a base in Tarnow. For more than 30 years it has been designing and implementing elements of small urban architecture and complex sports and recreational spaces. In this article we will look at the latest material and design trends in recreational facilities for 2025 and examples of DOL-ek's implementations.
Health Path ZS-08 - Polkowice
© DOL-ek
Trends in sports and recreational space for 2025
1 Natural materials and ecology
The growing interest in sustainability translates into the choice of materials for outdoor gyms, playgrounds or landscaping elements. FSC-certified wood, stainless steel, recycled composites and natural stone are gaining popularity. The use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly impregnations and varnishes is also becoming an important trend.
2 Integration of generations
Modern recreational spaces are designed with users of all ages in mind. In addition to street workout equipment and outdoor gyms, there are elements for seniors, sensory spaces for children and relaxation zones for families. Relaxation zones with hammocks, wooden platforms and outdoor yoga stations are becoming increasingly popular.
3 Safety and accessibility
In 2025, full accessibility of recreational spaces for people with disabilities becomes standard. Certified non-slip surfaces, lowered curbs, ramps and inclusive devices are a must. In addition, designers are increasingly including contrasting signage and induction loops for the hearing impaired.
4. modern design
Urban furniture, bridges or sports equipment increasingly also have an aesthetic function. The trend is toward simple, geometric forms, neutral colors with accents of green, and LED backlighting elements. Great emphasis is being placed on the consistency of recreational spaces with their surroundings - both visually and functionally.
5 Multisensory and educational functions
More and more realizations are combining recreational and educational functions. Playgrounds and relaxation areas are being enriched with educational boards, musical instruments, nature trails, and equipment to develop senses and coordination.
DOL-ek Tarnow - a range of innovations in recreational space
DOL-ek has specialized for years in the design and production of small architecture elements and sports and recreational spaces. The offer includes:
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outdoor gyms
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street workout sets
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park and city benches
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recreational platforms
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playgrounds for children
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integration devices
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relaxation zones
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elements of infrastructure for playing with water.
Outdoor gyms and street workout
DOL's offer includes a variety of strength and fitness equipment installed in urban spaces, housing estates, at schools and recreational areas. Among them are pull-up sets, parallel handrails, ladders and devices such as an orbiter or rowing machine. The structures are made of galvanized and powder-coated steel, resistant to weather conditions. A novelty is equipment with wooden and composite elements, as well as hybrid equipment, combining fitness and street workout functions.
Realization: Silesian Park in Chorzow
DOL-ek has supplied as many as 230 modern benches and 200 waste baskets for one of the largest green spaces in Poland - the Silesian Park in Chorzow. The modern forms, durable materials and ergonomic design perfectly fit into the park's landscape. The project used benches made of exotic wood on steel legs and all-steel, powder-coated, vandal-resistant models.
Silesian Park Chorzow
Photo courtesy of the Silesian Park in Chorzow
Realization: Platform in Park Piaskówka, Tarnów
A wooden recreational platform overlooking a water reservoir was created in Piaskówka Park. The DOL-ek project combines utility function with aesthetic value. Exotic wood protected with ecological oils was used, ensuring durability in changing weather conditions. The pier is the recreational center of the park, equipped with benches, loungers and fishing stations.
Stainless steel drums - Tarnow
© DOL-ek
Implementation: health path in Polkowice
In Polkowice, DOL-ek realized an expanded health path, including sets of outdoor exercise equipment for people of all ages. The project is part of the trend of integrating generations and social activation. The path was equipped with fitness equipment, educational boards and relaxation zones, and the surfaces were made of certified eco-friendly cushioning material.
Health path ZS-08 - Polkowice
© DOL-ek
Implementation: multisensory elements in the recreation area at the Sobieszów Palace
In the recreation area at the Sobieszów Palace, DOL-ek delivered multisensory devices - drums made of stainless steel and conversation tubes, which, combined with barriers and educational elements, created an attractive space for families and children. The investment supports motor, auditory and integrative development, in line with the trend of combining playful and educational functions.
Implementation: green classroom and meeting place in Smęgorzów
In Smęgorzów, a "Green Classroom" - a place for outdoor education and integration of the local community, realized with a grant from the State Forests, was created thanks to DOL-ek at the Elementary School. The complex includes a covered gazebo, wooden benches, tables, as well as recreational and educational equipment for outdoor classes and local events and meetings.
Playgrounds for cities, schools and kindergartens
DOL-ek also specializes in the implementation of complex playgrounds. The company offers rockers, slides, swings, educational and sensory sets. Designs are tailored to the age and needs of users and local conditions. The company relies on certified wood, colorful HDPE elements and safe EPDM surfaces.
Piortkowice School - Plaz playground
© DOL-ek
Other realizations
DOL-ek has completed numerous investments in public spaces and at school facilities throughout Poland, including in Tarnow, Krakow, Katowice, Piortkowice (school - playground), Dabrowa Tarnowska and Nowy Sacz. Among the projects are outdoor gym complexes, sensory playgrounds, relaxation zones for seniors and multipurpose fields.
The year 2025 brings new standards in the design of sports and recreational spaces. Ecology, integration of generations, safety and aesthetics are the pillars of modern implementations. DOL-ek from Tarnów not only responds to these needs, but often anticipates them by implementing innovative material and design solutions. Its realizations, such as benches for the Silesian Park or a bridge in Tarnów, are becoming showpieces of modern small architecture in Poland.
For more information, visit the company's Zakład Kształtowania Terenów Zielonych DOL-ek page on the PdA portal.
