Five new parks planned in the greater Tapiola area
The greater Tapiola area in Espoo is to have five new parks. Two parks are to be located in Northern Tapiola, in Otaniemi and Keilaniemi, with two other parks being planned further south in Niittykumpu. The densifying urban structure rarely allows the creation of new park areas. Every new, even small public park area is important for the current and future residents of the area.
Espoo wants to care for nature as the city is growing and densifying. In accordance with the city’s strategy, the Espoo story, Espoo’s urban development must take care of biodiversity and promote local nature as a place for promoting physical activities and well-being. According to research, local green spaces and urban nature bring health benefits to everyday life and help adapt to climate change.
The new park areas began with detailed planning and will eventually continue through park plans to implementation. The process from the first land use plans to a legally valid detailed plan, the park plans, and finally, to implementation can be lengthy.
“In urban development, it is important to secure sufficient public green spaces open to all city dwellers, providing a comfortable environment near their homes or workplaces. The wider network of green spaces consists of small areas in a dense urban setting, each of which is very valuable”, says Jenny Asanti, Landscape Architect.
Network of Tietäjä and Kivimies green areas to be strengthened
On 12 April 2023, the City Planning Committee approved the objectives of the Tietäjä area located in Northern Tapiola, west of Ring I and north of Kalevalantie, also including a new local park. Therefore, the current Spektri parking area may get a lush and cosy small park that significantly impacts the area’s attractiveness, landscapes and microclimate. The new park is also to serve as a meeting place for new and old local residents and other Espoo residents visiting the area.
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The Kivimies plan represents the first steps to expand the public park areas in Otaniemi. The planning area is near the Otaniemi and Keilaniemi metro stations and the Jokeri Light Rail stop. The plans include a new Geologinpuisto park around the beautiful trees growing in the area. A new, smaller and wooded Kivikaira local green area will be located behind the Centre for Metrology MIKES facility. The southern part of the Kivimies planning area includes a narrow and long park strip stretching along the Tutkijanpolku park walkway. The flying squirrel living in the Kivimies area has been considered in the local environment and proposed detailed plans. City planning aims at strengthening the network of local green areas in due course, also in the amendment to the local detailed plan in the Kivikaira area.
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Keilaniemi’s new waterfront park to diversify the cityscape and green environment
The new Keilarannanpuisto park will serve residents and employees in the area as well as people using the Rantaraitti waterfront walkway. The new park will be situated at the southern edge of the block to be constructed on reclaimed shore area.
The new public waterfront areas are divided into two different types. The eastern part emphasises nature and ecology.
“For example, the plan defines that the waterfront construction will be carried out in a way that strengthens natural biodiversity. New substrates and habitats for plants and creatures can be added by terracing the shore. This is a good example of how detailed planning can increase and strengthen urban nature,” says Asanti.
The western area will be more build-up and functional. The most visually impressive part of the park will be the Keilarannanaukio square, which is intended to have a piece consisting of art and landscape architecture in its centre. Space for “green rooms” formed by vegetation has been reserved in the middle of the Valovirta street area. They will provide comfortable passage, protected from wind and sun. The main walking and cycling routes run along the edges of the street area.
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Niittykumpu to have Riihitontunkulma and Metsätonttu park areas
In the Niittykumpu area, there is to be an amendment to the Riihitontunkulma detailed plan. The objectives of the participation and assessment plan, which was available for public review in early 2023, include a new park area. The park area allows pleasant and smooth access between Merituulentie and Riihitontuntie. Going forward, the park may also get a playground. A new public park area along the Riihitontuntie will improve the local recreation opportunities in the densifying Niittykumpu area. The Riihitontunkulma planning area is located along Merituulentie at the corner of Riihitontuntie and Kotitontuntie.
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Metsäntonttu’s proposed plan also includes a new park area consisting of a narrow strip along the current stand of trees and an open ditch. As many as possible the oaks and other trees in Ojauoma will be preserved in the park area being planned on the west side of the block to provide a path for flying squirrels. The Metsätonttu planning area is in the immediate vicinity of the Urheilupuisto metro station in Tapiola. The new park area joins the Haltijatontunpuisto park further south, strengthening the local network of green areas.
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