Residents responded: Oittaa should be developed with a strong focus on nature
The City of Espoo wants to develop the Oittaa area for tourism, outdoor activities and recreational purposes. The city organised a residents’ event in Oittaa, on 16 June 2026. In addition, a Voxit online discussion was organised from 8 June to 31 July 2026. The city will use the residents’ views in the planning of the Oittaa local detailed plan. A survey on the development of Oittaa was also organised in autumn 2023. The survey was related to the idea plan for Oittaa, which was being prepared at the time. Its aim was to determine the direction of Oittaa development, together with different actors, as well as to brainstorm possible future activities in the area.
This is what the residents said this year:
The residents’ event attracted people living in the neighbourhood
Just over 20 people came to discuss the development of services in the Oittaa outdoor recreation area, in June 2026. The participants were positive about the development of the area. The residents thought that cottages and a camping area could be suitable for the area. The participants estimated that accommodation activities would increase the supervision of the area and reduce disruptive behaviour. The restoration of Oittaa Manor is also expected.
“The participants said that different sports, such as walking, cycling, skiing, roller skiing and horseback riding, should have their own routes. They would also like to see more walking trails and sports fields in the area,” summarised Planner Sonja Sahlsten the discussions at the event.
The participants did not want any additional parking spaces, and parking should be free of charge. They asked for lockable racks for bicycles and a more central location for the bike parking in the recreation area. More toilets would also be needed.
The participants proposed that the speed limit on Kunnarlantie should be reduced. They were happy with the pedestrian and cycling routes. In addition to these, participants expressed many other concerns and wishes, which are being addressed in the development of the area.
Voxit discussion attracted 350 participants
Many residents of the neighbouring area also participated in the Voxit discussion. Most of the participants in the discussion visit Oittaa regularly all year round. The addition of parking spaces was not supported. Public transport connections to Oittaa were considered poor.
The participants considered the walking trails in the area important and hoped for more of them. Opinions on ski and roller ski tracks were divided. Some of the participants wanted more ski and roller ski tracks, while others felt that they had already taken up too much space from other users.
The participants hoped for the restoration and commissioning of the Oittaa Manor, as well as café and sauna services in the area. Of the current sports services, the participants considered the outdoor gym and long-distance ice skating routes particularly important. There was less need for new sports fields. Winter swimming was the most popular water activity. The participants also voted for the fishing pier and the possibility to rent a rowing boat.
Reconciling large construction projects with the natural environment of the area is a challenge
In the Voxit discussion, the largest proposals for developing the area, such as a hotel and spa, did not receive strong support. The participants’ opinions on the organisation of events were divided. The most suitable events for Oittaa were considered to be sports events.
Based on the discussion, the residents hoped that Oittaa would be developed so that nature activities and experiencing nature would be at the centre of the development of the area. They also considered it important to take families with children and local residents into account. “Taking different user groups into account requires careful coordination of different functions in the development process,” says Planner Anselmi Moisander.
Residents also made many suggestions for the management and maintenance of the area. These proposals and needs will be considered in the development and implementation.
What happens next?
The City Planning Department will prepare objectives for the plan, considering the views of the residents, and the City Planning Committee will decide on them in autumn 2026. The next opportunity to participate will be in the preparation stage of the plan, estimated for spring 2027.
Further information
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