Green area planning
The development of green spaces is a continuous process that begins with planning and continues through construction to long-term maintenance.
Hämeenlinna’s green spaces are developed as an integral part of the city’s growth, attractiveness, and connection to nature. The aim is to create safe, appealing, sustainable, and easily accessible environments for outdoor recreation, leisure, exercise, and enjoying nature – environments that will serve residents well into the future.
Sustainable development goals and biodiversity are considered in planning solutions for example in plant selection. Existing vegetation and soil conditions are preserved wherever possible. Not all areas zoned as green spaces are intended to be maintained as park areas. Existing forests are utilised as residential forests and in natural state wherever feasible.
Park planning falls under the responsibility of the Urban Environment branch as part of land use planning and the development of individual green environments. Master planning ensures the continuity of the green network and recreational connections, while detailed planning more precisely defines the location, extent, intended use, and natural values to be considered for green spaces. Green space planning ensures that urban greenery is allocated space and development opportunities throughout the process, from zoning to street and traffic planning. Green spaces also accommodate storm water and management of snow on the streets.
Planning proceeds in stages, from master planning to more detailed construction planning. During the planning process, the characteristics of the area, user needs, and future maintenance are assessed. Master plans for extensive green spaces are approved by the Urban Environment Committe. Construction plans are prepared after the master planning. For smaller projects, the Urban Environment Committee directly reviews the implementation plans.
Under the city’s guidance, private landscape design firms may also be engaged in the planning process. Planning is always carried out in collaboration with various experts, stakeholders, and residents. Residents have the opportunity to influence and review plans, as well as provide feedback at different stages of the planning process.
Park playgrounds
The development of playgrounds is guided by the city’s playground programme, which examines their number, location, service level, and development needs across the entire city. The programme’s objective is to ensure that the city has a safe, accessible, and diverse playground network that meets the needs of children of different ages and families.
Playground design considers safety, accessibility, the natural environment, play versatility, and the wishes of area users. The goal is to create pleasant and high-quality play environments that support children’s well-being and active daily life.
Read more about the playground programme:
Playground safety
Playground safety is ensured through annual, regular inspections and maintenance. Users should note that there is no winter maintenance on playgrounds. Do not allow your child to wear a cycling helmet on play equipment (risk of entrapment), and do not lift a child onto equipment they cannot climb onto themselves.
You can report observed safety deficiencies or broken equipment via the city’s electronic feedback system, or in urgent cases, by calling the Urban Environment customer service number. Each playground has an information board detailing the park’s name and location.
Park plans available for review and approval
Street and park plans are made public for 14 days after their completion. Notification of public display is announced in the city’s official notices. Plans can be reviewed on the city’s website and at the Kastelli service point. After the public display period, the plans are submitted to the Urban Environment Committee for approval.
If you are the owner or holder of a property bordering the planned area, you will receive a letter by post notifying you of the public display and your right to submit an objection. You can send an objection to the plan during the public display period either by email or by letter.
Currently on display and under decision-making
Miemala detached housing area 1 park plan
Plan description
The planned park area is located in the 21st district, Miemala.
The tree areas within the park are proposed to be preserved as they are, with the exception of tree felling essential for construction. Existing field areas are intended to remain as open mowing areas, except for a narrow strip of field east of the residential area, which is planned to be afforested with silver birch saplings to facilitate maintenance. Additionally, two outdoor paths are proposed for the open mowing area to ease access from the new residential area to the adjacent forest.
There is a proposal of building a lit and winter-maintained park pathway for the new planned detached housing area, connecting the new and old residential areas and serving, for example, as a school route for children. The park pathway runs through an otter breeding and resting area, which is particularly important for biodiversity. The passage of otters in the ditch running through the area will be secured by a separate structure passing under the pathway, for which an opinion and approval will be requested from the Supervisory Agency. After construction, the area is planned to be afforested with large deciduous tree saplings.
In the south-eastern part of the planning area, on the current field, an underground storm water retention/infiltration structure is planned for storm water from the new residential area, along with an open ditch to direct storm water coming from the direction of Miemalantie. However, the part of the Miemala-Palvaanlinna hazel and lime tree area extending into the south-eastern part of the area, including the forest edge zone, will be preserved as is. The valid master plan defines a building area on the said field for the placement of a mast. This building area will need to be shifted somewhat due to the ditch required for storm water management; the exact location will be determined during the permit process for mast placement.
Interaction
Residents’ experiences, ideas, and local knowledge are a crucial part of the planning work. You can influence and participate in planning at several different stages. Resident meetings are organised for planning projects, and sometimes online surveys or field inspections are also conducted.
You can influence the development of green spaces by providing feedback on parks and green areas through the city’s electronic feedback channel. Feedback is utilised in the planning of new areas as well as in the development and maintenance of existing green spaces.
Street trees and trees in green spaces
Trees are a visible part of Hämeenlinna’s urban landscape and a pleasant living environment. Street trees bring greenery, shade, and variety to street environments, while also improving air quality and amenity. Street trees are an important part of the city’s green infrastructure: they help manage storm water, mitigate summer heat, and provide habitats for urban nature.
Street trees are planned as part of street and green space projects. Planning takes into account growing conditions, traffic safety, municipal infrastructure, accessibility, and the long-term well-being of the trees. Sufficient growing space is ensured for trees so that they can grow as healthy, vigorous, and as long as possible in a demanding urban environment. Street trees are added to new street areas and during renovation projects, while well-maintained and scenically valuable trees are preserved whenever possible.
Tree species selection and planting design aim to strengthen the character, sustainability, and environmental values of green spaces. The long-term development is considered in the planning, planting, and care of trees. A healthy tree population supports a pleasant urban environment and maintains Hämeenlinna’s green and nature-friendly appearance.
Diverse plant species are favoured in plantings, improving the adaptability of green spaces to changing conditions in preparation for climate change. The diversity of tree species is particularly important, as long-lived trees must be able to thrive in future changing growing conditions.
Construction of green spaces
During construction, plans are implemented to create finished environments for residents’ use. Construction projects and investments are decided in the long-term programmes and annually in connection with financial planning within the Urban Environment branch. Park construction is carried out by both the infrastructure’s own personnel and by tendered contractors. The city, as the client, is always responsible for the final outcome and the implementation of the plans.
Construction work may cause temporary changes to access or park use. We aim to keep disruptions to a minimum and to inform about them in advance.
Explore the plans for parks, green spaces, and playgrounds under construction
Varikonniemi Playground, Keinusaari
Plan description
The new local playground at Varikonniemi will be built at the end of Varikonniementie, in an area designated for local recreation (VL-area) according to the master plan. Based on discussions with the regional responsibility museum of Kanta-Häme, the location of the playground, originally planned for Asemanpuisto, was moved to Varikonniemi. The area is situated within Hämeenlinna’s National Urban Park and borders the nationally significant built cultural environment of Hämeenlinna railway station (RYK) to the east, and the nationally significant archaeological site of Varikonniemi (VARK) to the west. The area served as a storage site for construction materials during the building of Asemanranta. The Varikonniemi playground will replace the Kiistalanpuisto playground, located in the immediate vicinity of Viipurintie, which is scheduled for removal in 2026.
Children from the adjacent Pilke nature kindergarten were involved in the design of the playground. Nature and pollinators were chosen as the playground’s theme.
Crushed stone is the surface material for the maintenance path of the playground and wood chips are used as the safety surfacing for the play equipment. The playground will be partially bordered by a brushwood fence, for which material will be sourced from, for example, trees removed from the area. Towards the existing parking area, the playground will also be bordered by a wide shrub planting, with additional trees planted to provide shade for the playground.
As the Varikonniemi local playground will be the only playground in the Keinusaari area, play equipment appealing to school-aged children will also be included. The play equipment will feature swings, a climbable slide, a parkour net course, a meadow-themed seesaw, wooden insect spring riders, a carousel, a small ladybird slide, and a sandpit with a shade cloth. Birdhouses and insect hotels will be hung in the trees surrounding the playground, and a pollinator/insect hotel-themed information board will be installed at the playground.
In connection with the construction of the playground, the surrounding areas will also be tidied up. The crushed layers brought to the beginning of the unwanted path leading from the parking area to the old field will be removed, and the area will be planted with trees and meadow grass, and allowed to grow naturally in the future. The strip of recreational area northeast of the playground, between the park pathway and the playground, will also be tidied up and new trees planted there.
The playground will be lit according to a separate lighting plan.
Jokelanoja Park Playground, Mäskälä
The new district playground at Jokelanoja Park will be built south of the existing Harvoila residential area, alongside the park pathway coming from the new Mettola residential area. Currently, the area is open field. Second-grade pupils from Ruununmylly school were involved in the design.
At the children’s suggestion, the playground is jungle-themed. The playground will feature swings, a zip line, a climbable slide, a trampoline, balancing equipment, spring riders, and a sandpit with a shade cloth, as well as a bench, picnic table, and bicycle racks. Crushed stone is used for the pathway, and wood chips are used as the safety surfacing.
The area between the playground and the ditch to its south will be afforested, and larger tree saplings will also be planted there. By planting tall grasses, the aim is to create a jungle-like atmosphere, as well as with tree plantings that will also form a hut-like canopy and provide shade for the playground. At the children’s request, currant bushes will also be planted.
The playground will be lit according to a separate lighting plan.
Renovation of Linnanpuisto and Karnaalinpuisto, City Centre
The renovation of Linnanpuisto and Karnaalinpuisto aims to renew the surroundings of Häme Castle, respecting its historical, scenic, and recreational values. The objective has been to strengthen the area’s position as a shared living room for city residents, a venue for events, and as part of the National Urban Park and a nationally valuable cultural environment. Simultaneously, the parks’ services, routes, activity areas, and amenity are being developed, and pedestrian and cycling connections improved.
The planning work commenced in 2022, when the initiation points for the area’s development were defined in cooperation with the city, authorities, landowners, event organisers, and other stakeholders. Residents’ views were gathered through an extensive resident survey, which received over 1,200 responses. Based on the survey, key development targets included year-round services, pleasant seating areas, event activities, preservation of open views, safe routes, and highlighting the area’s historical identity.
The planning was carried out as a two-stage process. Initially, two alternative drafts were prepared and presented to residents and stakeholders. Based on feedback and further review, a solution was chosen and further developed into a general plan and later into construction plans. The preparation of the plans consider the area’s natural values, cultural-historical environment, event use, and the objectives of the National Urban Park.
The Urban Environment Committee approved the master plans for the parks in 2024, after which the preparation of the actual construction plans began. The construction work itself commenced in Linnanpuisto in spring 2025. In connection with this, pedestrian and cycling arrangements on Tampereentie and Niittykatu, as well as the accessibility of the area, are being improved.
In July 2026, the main part of Linnanpuisto was handed over for public use. The final construction works are still being carried out in the Linnanpuisto activity area, the vicinity of Niittykatu, and Karnaalinpuisto.
The aim is to create a high-quality park complex around Häme Castle, where history, events, recreational use, and the natural environment form a functional and a whole experience throughout the year.
Here you can watch a video of Linnanpuisto before the renovation.
Mensanaukio artwork ‘Päivän peili’, Keinusaari
The Päivän peili (Mirror of the Day), an artwork designed by visual artist Johanna Rope, is being built as a landmark for Mensanaukio. It won the Asemanranta public art competition in 2018. The artwork consists of two main elements: a seven-metre diameter rotating steel ring supported by two pillars, and a living oak tree planted next to the artwork.
The steel ring rotates slowly and steadily around its axis – one revolution per hour – reflecting the life of the square on its shiny surface. The movement is deliberately meditative, and the artwork acts as a mirror to both the concrete and cultural environment.
The oak’s branches, with their leaves changing with the wind and seasons, complement the artwork – the tree grows slowly but lives long. The tree creates a contrast to the mechanical movement of the steel ring. Both elements of the artwork are in constant change, following their own repetitive cycles.
The slow rotating movement of the artwork is generated by a servo motor designed for outdoor use. The precisely controlled mechanism enables the ring’s smooth and stable movement regardless of weather conditions. The mechanism reacts to environmental changes and automatically stops the ring in strong winds or in situations where its movement is obstructed by an external force. The structural and functional solution has been developed in collaboration with the artist and experts in mechanical design.
Päivän peili also examines the artwork’s own life cycle. Its moving mechanism is estimated to operate for approximately 15 years, after which the ring is stopped and remain as a static sculpture as part of the square. Simultaneously, the surrounding vegetation will continue to grow and alter the artwork’s appearance over decades. In this way, the artwork changes over time along with its environment. Eventually, the structures can be dismantled and the materials recycled.