For example, plantings could be made exceptionally early in the spring, as the substrate could be prepared already in February. The renovation, which started in September 2024, was originally scheduled to be completed in October.
‘The renovation suffered a minor setback in the autumn, when it was discovered that blast furnace slag had been used as landfill material within the park area. Only a little contaminated soil was found, and all of it was removed. We managed to make up for the delay well, and the warm winter helped the planned works to progress quickly,’ says Toni Hanka, Tieluiska Site Manager.
The traffic arrangements made for the duration of the renovation have already been dismantled and the area is now accessible by car, on foot and by bicycle. The parking spaces on Rautalammintie can also be used. Minor repairs, installations and plantings will be carried out during the rest of the summer and autumn, but these will not prevent the park from being used.
New fixtures improve the comfort of Vallilanpuisto
The walkways have been widened and their steeper parts made more accessible. A new walkway has also been built to connect the main corridors, and the long stairs on the east side of the park have been renovated. The paved square in the middle of the green area has been renovated and the water basin has been restored.
‘There are now groups of tables and benches around the water basin that invite people to spend time. The tables are suitable for playing many kinds of games, for example,’ says Tea Karjalainen, City of Helsinki Project Director.
The lighting in the park was renewed by replacing the lamps with energy-efficient models. Lighting was also improved to avoid any dark spots in the park. The renovation of the walkways and lighting improves the comfort and safety of Vallilanpuisto.
The vegetation in the park was partly preserved and partly renewed. Some of the old European yew trees have been moved to new locations, and crabapple trees, among other things, were kept. New trees have also been planted alongside the wall running parallel to Rautalammintie, and shrubs, container-grown pine seedlings, and a few large pines have been planted to replace the upright European aspens that had to be felled due to damages caused by longhorn beetles.
