New playground to be built at Varikonniemi
The new playground at Varikonniemi will be built in the local recreational area at the end of Varikonniementie. The playground will replace the Kiistalanpuisto playground near Viipurintie, which will be decommissioned in 2026. Construction will begin the week of 14 September with preparatory work, such as tree felling.
The location of the playground was changed during the planning process in cooperation with the Kanta-Häme Regional Museum Authority. The playground was originally planned for Asemanpuisto, but the final location was found at Varikonniemi. The area is situated within Hämeenlinna’s national urban park and close to culturally and historically valuable sites.
Children from the nearby Pilke nature preschool took part in planning the playground
The design is based on a theme highlighting nature and pollinators. The area will feature swings, climbing and sliding equipment, a parkour net course, a carousel, a sandbox, and various nature-themed play equipment. Since the Varikonniemi playground will be the only playground in the Keinusaari area, the choice of equipment also takes school-age children into account.
Crushed stone will be used as the surface material for the playground’s pathways, and wood chips will serve as the safety surfacing under the play equipment. The area will be partly bordered by a brushwood fence, built using trees removed from the site. Shrubs and new trees will be planted facing the current parking area to enhance comfort and provide shade.
The surrounding area of the playground will also be renovated during construction. The start of the informal path leading from the parking area to the old field will be tidied up, planted with trees and meadow grass, and allowed to develop naturally going forward. The green area northeast of the playground will also be renovated, with new trees planted there as well.
Birdhouses, insect hotels, and an information board about pollinators will also be added around the playground. The area will be lit according to a separate lighting plan.
The playground will be completed at the beginning of November 2026.