Maatullinpuisto Park to be renovated on biodiversity’s terms

The Maatulli park project is a LUMO pilot project, meaning one of the actions under the City of Helsinki Biodiversity Action Plan (LUMO). The starting point for the design is the networks of forests and meadows that run through the park from northwest to southeast.

The project has examined biodiversity comprehensively by coming up with ideas, such as new ways of enriching and conserving the range of species through maintenance measures in the coming years. A wide range of experts in different fields, from biologists to geotechnical engineers, have participated in the design process.

For example, the area to be renovated contains a valued meadow that is classified as an endangered tall-herb mesic meadow. At present, however, the meadow has been taken over by the large-leaved lupine, an invasive species.

A new playground will be built next to Maatulli Comprehensive School

The preliminary design of Maatullinpuisto Park was presented during a residents’ walk in April 2024. Feedback was also collected from residents and used as a basis for finalising the design.

The overhaul will include renewing the park’s vegetation in general, improving paths and building new playground equipment in the play area and sports park. The allotments near Moisiontie will be retained and a new stormwater drain will be built near them. Additionally, a new playground will be built in the area, next to Maatulli Comprehensive School. 

The playground will feature a comprehensive range of playground equipment, ranging from a traditional slide to a giant swing, a zipline and a hammock. The playground’s speciality will be a wooden hedgehog, which children will be able to climb and slide on. A basketball hoop and a fixed football goal will be installed for ball sports enthusiasts. There will also be a water play area in the yard.

Completion is slated for 2030

The park’s overhaul will be carried out in three phases. The ongoing first phase includes water and drainage works. The first phase is scheduled for completion in 2026 and the third and final phase in 2030.

The contractor for the first and second phases is Helsinki City Construction Services (Stara). The contractor for the third phase will be selected through a tendering process at a later date.

The parking area of the sports park will be renovated

Another project will also begin in the area around the turn of August–September, aiming to improve the parking area of the Tapulikaupunki sports park. The contractor for this work will be procured separately. The renovation of the parking area is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.