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Semi-paved buggy paths at het Rijk van Nijmegen renovated emission-free

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Jeroen Poldermans, Monday 21 July 2025
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Green Road Machinery installs new semi-paving using electric equipment

The buggy paths at Het Rijk van Nijmegen are being renovated because they no longer meet the high quality standards that this golf course upholds. This project is being carried out in phases, and part of it has already been completed. A notable aspect of this project is the use of zero-emission electric equipment.

Electric spreader by Geba at Het Rijk
Electric spreader by Geba at Het Rijk

"After heavy rainfall, puddles often remained on the buggy paths, causing buggy drivers to move onto the grassy edges and damage the natural surroundings. We therefore decided to have new semi-paving installed in a phased and sustainable manner. These paths need to be strong enough for both golfers and maintenance machines, provide good drainage, and fit aesthetically within our natural environment," explains Mark Janssen, general manager at Het Rijk van Nijmegen.

new foundation

The renovation is in the trusted hands of GEBA - Green Road Machinery, a company at the forefront of zero-emission construction of semi-paved paths. GEBA is the only company in the Netherlands using electrically powered machines for this purpose, says sales and marketing manager Berend Jan Sleijffers. "First, we thoroughly mill the old path and create a solid foundation for the new one. We apply multiple layers of semi-paving in a camber profile for optimal drainage and strength. This way, no puddles form during rain, and the water drains through the permeable sublayer and along the edges."


Mark Janssen, general manager Het Rijk van Nijmegen
Berend Jan Sleijffers, sales and marketing manager GEBA - Green Road Machinery

top layer of Aquado General

For the top layer of the new semi-paving, Het Rijk van Nijmegen chose Aquado General, an ochre-colored, water-permeable semi-paving that fits perfectly within the natural surroundings. "We chose this material because of its hardness and stability, but also because of the fresh look and feel that complements the appearance of our golf course," says Janssen.


seamless finishing

"After applying the material with our electric machines, we neatly finish the edges with topsoil and turf," continues Sleijffers. "The path is always raised slightly so that rainwater can flow nicely to the sides and not remain on the paths." This attention to detail also aligns with the aesthetic standards Het Rijk van Nijmegen envisions, Janssen adds. "We are a quality golf course, and we are proud of that. We want that exclusive appearance to be reflected in the quality of the course, our service, and certainly in the finish of the buggy paths. That too contributes to the overall experience."


continuity during renovation

According to Sleijffers, it is important for GEBA to ensure the safety of golfers, prevent damage to the course, and minimize inconvenience. "That's why we use small dumpers that we load at a central depot and then drive to the worksite via a designated route. From there, we distribute the material over the new path with an electric spreader. The holes remain open as much as possible during the works. Therefore, we set out clear walking routes with signage together with the greenkeepers. If absolutely necessary, the course is temporarily shortened and a teebox may be relocated. On the supply route, we lay down plastic driving plates where needed to avoid damaging the grass. We coordinate this with caddymaster Adri van Rooij to ensure golfer safety."


"The installation is carried out using a quiet electric roller"

electric roller

The construction is carried out emission-free using an electric roller and spreader. The spreader runs on an exchangeable battery pack. The roller operates for about twelve to fourteen hours on a single charge, while the spreader runs about seven hours on one full battery. "On this project, the roller even operated for two days on a single battery pack, since the machines aren't used continuously but intermittently throughout the day," explains Sleijffers. "At GEBA, we now have nine zero-emission electric rollers, spreaders, and sprayers. With our electric equipment, we can also build semi-paved paths in sensitive areas."


"Thanks to our expertise in electrification and (semi-)paving, we are the only company in the Netherlands that can execute such projects completely emission-free"

GEBA - Green Road Machinery

GEBA may not be a well-known name in the Dutch golf world. It is a family business with over fifty years of experience in road construction and, since 2019, has been pioneering in electrification under the name GEBA - Green Road Machinery. But how did these road builders end up on a golf course? Sleijffers explains: "We are golfers ourselves, so we understand exactly what a golf course wants and needs. In addition, constructing semi-paving has become one of our specialties in recent years. Together with our sister company Geba Projecten bv, we carry out these semi-paving projects. Thanks to our expertise in electrification and (semi-)paving, we are the only party in the Netherlands that can carry out such projects completely emission-free. Depending on the type of project or area, we can offer and apply various types of semi-paving. We do this for recreation parks, nature areas, and since last year, also on golf courses. Through our various suppliers, we offer a wide range of materials and a suitable solution for every project."


sustainability and the future

"Apart from the beautiful end result, we chose GEBA because we strongly support collaboration with local entrepreneurs," says Janssen. "I find it great that local guys from our own municipality are working here for GEBA. On top of that, some of them are golfers themselves, which means they understand what we want. Choosing one hundred percent emission-free equipment also aligns with our sustainability goals. The renovation is being carried out in phases, but we are already receiving many compliments from golfers about the new paths, and that is of course nice to hear."


This article was previously published on July 21, 2025, on the Greenkeeper website.

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