Espoo’s goal: combining nature and growth in a sustainable way

The people of Espoo particularly appreciate their city and its nature – to many, the lush forests and meadows, the impressive seashore and the beautiful lake landscapes are the best that Espoo has to offer. These are some of the opinions expressed in the My Espoo survey, to which more than 5,000 Espoo residents responded.

“The appreciation of nature and its recreational opportunities continues to be strong in Espoo, just as in previous years,” says Mayor Kai Mykkänen.

Espoo residents are concerned about the city’s rapid growth and safety situation. People increasingly view safety as an essential part of a good living environment and hope that they can live in their hometown without threats.

“I fully understand the concerns of residents. In the light of statistics, however, Espoo is still a safe city. We must help every child and adolescent find their place so that no one strays down the wrong path,” Mykkänen says.

The city’s mission is to respond to the wishes and concerns of its residents by providing a safe and nature-friendly living environment and high-quality services. At the same time, the challenges brought about by growth must be addressed.

The Espoo Master Plan 2060 is a general framework that guides the work of decision-makers, outlining the future of land use and the transport system and the directions of growth. The answers to the My Espoo survey are a key part of the process of drawing up future policies.

“The 2060 Master Plan aims for balanced growth in all districts. Urban planning can help to ensure the accessibility of nature and services for Espoo residents going forward,” Mykkänen says.

According to him, one of the challenges for the coming years is how to create jobs and housing for Espoo residents while ensuring environmental protection and safety. These issues are central to the ongoing master plan work.

For example, in line with the draft master plan approved by the City Board, the city will protect ecological corridors and local nature by expanding Central Park and strengthening nature reserves. The development of public transport is also a key part of safeguarding Espoo’s growth and nature.

The My Espoo survey also revealed that even though some of the services have been transferred to the wellbeing services county, Espoo residents trust their city to organise services.

“Health care and elderly services are particularly important to our residents. In developing these services, the city will continue its dialogue with the wellbeing services county to ensure residents’ needs are met,” promises Niko Ferm, Policy Planning Director at the City of Espoo.

The voices of young Espoo residents were also increasingly heard in the survey, as schools were encouraged to communicate information about the My Espoo survey to pupils and students. Young people bring important perspectives to urban planning.

“Young people appreciate a pleasant living environment and wish for more sports facilities. In developing Espoo, it is important to take into account the needs of all age groups,” Ferm says.