Island hosts ensure the cosiness of the recreation islands in Espoo

Towards the end of April, the summer season work of the island hosts in charge of maintenance and cosiness of the Eastern and Western recreation islands in Espoo is in full swing.

Officially, the season starts in the beginning of May, but maintenance work is started as soon as the ice melts. The first things to do are to ensure that all navigation marks are in place and check whether any storm damage has occurred in the islands. All piers and buoys also need to be checked.

Island host Jan Heimberg has been responsible for the Eastern recreation islands, particularly Iso Vasikkasaari, for 25 years.

The job description of the all-year island host is versatile.

‘I make sure that the fireplaces on the islands have firewood throughout the year, and in summer, I am responsible for all maintenance work on the islands, as well as for teaching the seasonal workers. In summer, most of my day is taken by various cleaning work and garbage management,’ Heimberg says.

In summer, the island hosts move around in their own boats. Each week, both hosts go through the islands they are responsible for. Seppo Räsänen, who is responsible for the Western islands, has held the position for five years.

‘Bylandet, an island in Kirkkonummi, is the furthest island I’m responsible for. Visiting the island takes all of my workday. Most of my day is also spent with cleaning and garbage management. In addition, there are various transport needs for various islands every week,’ Räsänen says.

During COVID-19, interest towards staycationing in Finland went through the roof. The recreation islands in Espoo have remained popular even after the pandemic. Both island hosts praise the way Finns have behaved in the recreation areas.

‘A significant change has taken place within 20 years. People have better camping skills, and they no longer leave their trash lying around. Not even young people cause any problems,’ Heimberg says.

‘Boaters are often happy that the City of Espoo does not charge for the services of the recreation islands or for overnighting on the islands. Espoo is probably one of the few big cities that provides the service for free,’ Räsänen explains the feedback he has received.

Camping is also increasingly popular, and the paddlers and families with children also like to put up a tent on the islands.

‘We have built spaces for tents on some islands: 2x3 metre board platforms you can put up your tent on. This protects the ground as well as keeps the floor of the tent dry,’ says Räsänen.

One of Espoo’s most popular recreation islands is Iso Vasikkasaari, which is an accessible site. Moving is easy even on a wheelchair or with a pram.

People like to spend time there throughout the year. In summer, a kiosk and restaurant are open on the island.

‘If the winter is good and the ice strong enough, we may have up to 10,000 visitors in winter,’ Heimberg says.

Text: Thea Ekholm