Visitors rate residents’ parks highly – they praise the versatile activities and pleasant environment

Espoo residents’ parks collect praise from visitors. A record-breaking number of 750 visitors responded to the customer survey in spring 2025, of which more than 300 were schoolchildren who had participated in the park activities. The number of respondents doubled compared to the previous year, which indicates how important residents’ parks are for families with children in Espoo.

Espoo has 16 residents’ parks. They are free meeting places where children and families can spend time, get to know each other and enjoy a variety of activities. The parks are a well-enjoyed and important service for many families. Last year, more than 310,000 people visited residents’ parks.

The results of the customer survey for residents’ parks speak for themselves: the respondents gave the parks a high general grade of 9.4 out of 10.

“We are very happy with this result and, at the same time, it is an indication the work we have put in to develop residents’ parks has been successful. We want to offer families with children a safe, inspiring and communal everyday life environment,” says Nina Konttinen, Finnish Early Childhood Education District Manager responsible for residents’ park activities in Espoo.

The survey asked about the visitors’ comfort, opportunities to influence the planned activities, and whether guardians have received support in parenthood.

“In the past year, we have focused on service guidance and on making information about family services more accessible. It is great to see that this is also reflected in customer feedback,” says Konttinen.

This year, there was a separate survey for schoolchildren. The children’s replies revealed that parks are places where they enjoy spending time, where their friends are, and where they have a lot of meaningful activities to do. The children’s wishes for park activities included different types of games and reading time, in which an adult reads to them aloud.

“Children’s inclusion is an important value for us, and we listen closely to their wishes. We want to continue developing our activities together with children and families,” Konttinen says.

Visitors also wished for more activities in the evenings and weekends, and joint events, such as family cafés and theme days. Park meals were also mentioned as a wish. Park meals will actually make a comeback in Espoo in July 2025, as five residents’ parks will offer children and young people under the age of 16 a warm meal, free of charge.

In 2025–2026, residents’ parks will have more opportunities for children and adults to participate in planning the activities, and the plan is to promote active lifestyles and a sense of community in the parks.

“Residents’ parks are much more than playgrounds – they are communities where people grow, learn and meet others. Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey and helped us improve our operations,” says Konttinen.

Espoo residents’ parks are full of fun activities and adventures this summer

Give feedback on summertime services at residents’ parks