Helsinki will complete the renovation of Kaisaniemi Park on Monday, 19 October, more than a year ahead of schedule. The renovation began in 2023, and residents will gain new features such as a new playground and a dog park. The city attributes the faster timetable to the contractor, which allocated plenty of staff to the project.
What the renovated park offers
A new central playground features equipment and musical instruments for visitors of all ages. When the city announced the completion date, the area around the elk statue, the central square and the dog park for small dogs were nearing completion. A new exercise area and a games arena have already opened. Lighting, furniture and planting areas have been added throughout the park. Supplementary plantings have been planted on the Svante Olssonin puistokuja birch avenue, and benches have been added alongside it.
How the work was phased
Different sections of the park were opened for use as they were completed. Projects finished in earlier phases include the entrance area of the Botanic Garden, the Svante Olsson Playground and the cycle path near the park. The contractor for the refurbishment was VM Suomalainen Oy. Project Director Sari Niinivirta-Mamonoff credited the contractor with speeding up the schedule.
What happens next
Some work continues after the official completion:
- Repair work on the park’s water basin has begun and will continue until summer 2027.
- The historic rows of trees and diverse vegetation around the water’s edge will be restored, and benches and lighting will be added.
- A small outdoor area next to the exercise area and games arena has been renovated and will stay in use until construction of tennis courts begins next year.
The footpaths in the park will remain unchanged during the building works. The work involves drilling and pile driving, which will cause some noise in the surrounding area.