The first phase of renovation introduces new play equipment for school children on the north side of the playground building: a new multi-purpose climbing rack, ground trampolines, a kantele-like outdoor instrument, a pike figure and swings, among others. New lighting will also be installed in the area.
The works will begin in the beginning of April 2025 and last until July-August 2025.
Uusimaa Infrapalvelut Oy will carry out the renovation of the playground, which will cost EUR 354,500.
Helsinki’s oldest playground building is in Kimmonpuisto and it was thoroughly renovated in 2024. It is located at Turjantie 3.
Second phase of the renovation is estimated to begin in 2028 or 2029
Kimmonpuisto is in temporary use as a school yard during recess, which will be taken into account in the work schedule. The second phase of renovation will start when the temporary school activities end.
In the second phase, the park will receive new plantings and play and exercise equipment and its passageways will be renovated. Among other things, the 1960s wading pool will be renovated for summer use along with the construction of a new game arena with basketball hoops and ball game goals. Simple exercise equipment will also be added to the park. Other new additions include lights, benches, tables and rubbish bins.
Currently, the park features green, wooded edges, which will be preserved. Some of the bushes in the middle will be removed to boost visibility and create more space along with the planting of new perennial plants. A few of the poor-condition trees will be replaced. The valuable sections of the park are protected in the detailed plan.
Listening to resident wishes – Kalevala theme among them
When choosing play equipment, consideration has been given to resident wishes; some of the previously removed play equipment will be reintroduced, such as the “Froebel Gifts,” wooden car and wooden horses.
The street names of the surrounding area have references to the Kalevala; in a response to resident wishes, our national epic will be subtly and imaginatively showcased in the park’s play equipment and information boards. Examples lifted from the pages of the Kalevala include a goldeneye and its eggs, and a figure reminiscent of the sea monster Iku-Turso, who will be instead rising out of the sand. The Kalevala theme will become apparent once the park as a whole is completed at the turn of the decade.
The play ground for larger children will be completed before the rest of the park at the request of the residents and city’s decision makers, giving schoolchildren a place to play. The Käpylä Society had hoped for a flowerbed of traditional perennials in the park.
Residents shared their wishes during a residents' walk organised by the city, at a residents' event and in feedback.
