New skatepark to be built in Roihuvuori

Construction will begin on August 8 and will primarily involve concrete work, including formwork, reinforcement, and concrete casting. The new concrete skatepark will be built within an old wading pool and will feature various skating elements and structures, including a skateable Cinderella shoe. Compared to other skateparks in Helsinki, this one will be relatively small.

The skatepark is expected to be completed by autumn 2024. During construction, the park pathway will remain accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. The project will not involve any noisy, dusty, or otherwise disruptive work phases.

Ongoing Playground Renovations

Simultaneously, renovation work on the Tuhkimo Playground, which began in autumn 2023, is nearing completion. The renovation includes the removal of old, worn-out play equipment and the installation of new features such as swings, a climbing net, two ground trampolines, a large sandbox, a ping pong table, and a low stage. Additional benches, table sets, and wooden platforms for seating will be placed around the area. New trees and shrubs will be planted, and the lighting in the area will be upgraded. The playground is scheduled to open in August, but the game and fitness area will be completed after the skatepark construction. The entire park will be ready by October 2024.

Community-Driven Initiative

The proposal to renovate the playground came from local residents through the participatory budgeting process, OmaStadi, receiving 1,477 votes, the highest in the southeastern district. The same proposal included a request for the new skatepark. The design of both the playground and the skatepark has been a collaborative effort with local residents. Preliminary sketches were presented in the summer of 2022 and adjusted based on community feedback. Two workshops with skateboarders were also held to finalize the design of the skatepark.

VRJ Etelä-Suomi Oy is the contractor responsible for the skatepark construction.

HT