Sports Services' facility reservation price list to be reformed

The aim of the renewal of the facility reservation price list has been to better take into account differences in the size, equipment and quality of the facilities. The change in the price structure also aims to promote efficiency by making the most appropriate use of the facilities. In particular, the attractiveness of school sports halls will be improved by pricing them competitively with regard to other facilities. For example, a hall of less than 300 square metres will be available for juniors for €5 per hour. With the reform, the facility usage grant will no longer be applied to school halls.

Until now, the prices for school sports halls have been considerably higher than those for Sports Services’ facilities, as pricing has been based on the rental price list drafted by the Education Department in the past. Due to more expensive pricing, the demand for and occupancy rate of school sports halls has been lower than that of Sports Services’ facilities. Furthermore, the pricing of school sports halls does not take into account discount groups; instead, the rent is the same for all customer groups.

Aiming to increase leisure activities and improve efficiency in facility use

The price reform aims to increase physical activity, harmonise the treatment of different clubs and types of sports and make more efficient use of facilities.  The objective of the price reform is to give facility users more choice of facilities of different sizes and qualities to suit their activities, also taking into account the pricing of the facilities. The Club Parliament, which represents sports clubs in Helsinki, has been involved in the preparation of the price change.

This year, clubs and associations that will incur additional costs as a result of the reform are eligible for a price change transition grant. The application period for the grant is 1 May–26 June 2026. The transition grant will compensate for the impact of the reform in 2026 and allow a longer period to adapt to the changes and adjust club activities. The grant is a one-off payment awarded based on an estimate of the increase in costs resulting from the reform.