The trees to be removed are located in the western part of Sibelius Park. Most of the trees to be removed have been found to be rotten, damaged by pests or otherwise in poor condition. In connection with the park construction work, individual trees will also have to be removed, but not any significant landscape trees. Some of the most valuable trees will be cared for so that they can be preserved.
The trees to be removed will be felled in March, before the bird nesting season. Some of the trunks will be placed around the park and in the new dog park to create deadwood gardens. A large number of new trees and plants will be planted in connection with the renovation.
The actual renovation work will begin in early summer. The work will be carried out in stages, so parts of the park will remain available for use at all times. In the immediate surroundings of the Sibelius Monument, work will be carried out outside the high season – in the autumn, winter and early spring.
The renovation of the park and the removal of trees are based on the park plan approved by the Urban Environment Committee on 11 February 2020(Link leads to external service) (in Finnish).
Sibelius Monument’s surroundings to be renovated taking into account tourism and events
The Sibelius Monument in the park is one of the most popular sights in Helsinki, and its surroundings will be renovated to better withstand large numbers of visitors.
The rock-dust surface of the Musiikkiaukio square in front of the monument will be renewed, and the square will be expanded to enable small-scale music events. The square will be equipped with event electricity, and a small mobile stage or canopy can be placed there for the duration of events.
The park walkways surrounding the monument will be equipped with stone edging and low protective fences to make them more durable. New entrance squares will be made in the nearby tourist bus stop areas on Mechelininkatu and Merikannontie, which will be paved with natural stone and surrounded by stone slab benches.
New hangouts for people of all ages
The services of Sibelius Park will also be improved. The playground in the northern part of the park will be renovated. Different age groups will be taken into account when choosing the equipment for the playground, including swings, a climbing route, a sandbox and metal musical instruments.
There will be a new exercise area near the playground. When choosing the exercise equipment, attention will be paid to ease of use and suitability also for the elderly population.
A new fenced park for small dogs will be built at the corner of Mechelininkatu, in place of the former miniature golf course.
Park walkways to be renovated
The park will also undergo various kinds of renovations that improve its comfort and respect the history of the area. There will be walkway renovations around Villa Paulig, Villa Bråvalla and the foundations of Villa Miramar, all dating from the 19th century. The city sold Villa Paulig in 2022, and parts of the villa will be turned into open space for city residents.
The park’s existing decorative pond will be renovated, and another pond, which has already been lost, will be restored. A stone stream will be made between the ponds, and a fountain will be returned to the pond next to the Sibelius Monument. A large number of new benches will also be added to the park, and its lighting will be renewed. New trees, bushes and perennials will be planted in the area. The plant design will use species and combinations characteristic of the park.