As part of the Meri-Rastila suburban regeneration project, the largest local park, Haruspuisto, will also be renovated. Work began in 2025 with the construction of a new dog park, and in the summer of 2026 the area’s new skatepark was completed.
The project is now moving on to the actual construction of the park, which is why around 100 trees will be felled in the area in October. Despite the figure sounding rather large, a large part of Haruspuisto will remain as it is; a natural, wooded area. The condition of the trees has been assessed, and some of the removals are based on this assessment, while others are due to changes resulting from the local detailed plan and the expansion of activities.
A total of 95 new coniferous and deciduous trees of various species will be planted to replace the felled trees. When the park opens, a Children’s Tree will be planted there in honour of the children, together with the local residents. The area will also feature a wealth of new, multi-species plantings of shrubs, perennials and grasses.
Wide range of activities for different age groups
Residents have had a say in the planning of the park to ensure that the end result is distinctive and fits the local community as well as possible. The park’s theme is the Baltic Sea and underwater life, and once completed, it will feature varied play and exercise areas for users of all ages.
Haruspuisto will also include a fitness area, a small game arena, a climbing wall, a skatepark and a pump track, as well as areas for street basketball and water play. Plans for the park also contain a swing and climbing area, as well as a larger play area with multi-purpose equipment.
The renovation is due to be completed in September 2028.