Brahenkenttä, located in the Kallio neighbourhood in Helsinki, is used as an artificial ice rink in winter and as a playing field in summer. The purpose of the survey is to identify how the summer and winter conditions and the services of the maintenance buildings could be improved to better meet the needs of city residents. The survey is aimed at all Helsinki residents – both current users of the field and those who do not yet use the services of the area.
According to the preliminary schedule, the renovation of the changing room building and the demolition of the existing maintenance building would start in summer 2028. The renovated buildings will be operational in 2030. The technical facilities are located in the maintenance building. The changing room building currently houses changing rooms, toilets and showers. In the winter season, the building also houses sport association HIFK’s Café Braku, which also offers ice skate sharpening and rental services during its opening hours.
"Our goal is to make Brahenkenttä a more functional and enjoyable sports venue for city residents. Of particular interest is how we can improve the conditions for public ice skating and support both everyday outdoor winter sports and recreation. We are also hoping to find out residents’ views on what new sports opportunities could be brought to the field and what services could be used to enhance the user experience in the summer,”says Head of Unit, Sports Facilities Anu Jokela.
A more comprehensive renovation of the entire Brahenkenttä area is planned to coincide with the renovaton of the buildings. Freezing the artificial turf in Brahenkentä, in particular, has proved to be a challenge, with the artificial turf having to be repaired every spring after the end of the ice season. On average, the outdoor artificial ice rink is used between late November and early March. It usually takes 3–4 weeks to freeze the field, with the weather playing an important role in the process.
"We hope that the survey will provide us with input not only for the related services, but also for the development of the functionalities and long-term development of the field itself," says Anu Jokela.
The survey will remain open until 21 May 2026. Survey respondents can choose to enter a prize draw for a chance to win one of five Mizu drinking bottles featuring Helsinki branding.
