Pielespuisto, a park in Kangasvuori, Jyväskylä is a finalist in the Environmental Structure of the Year contest – problematic rain and stormwater became an attraction point in the restoration of the park

Water is at the heart of the park

Pielespuisto was built in the 1970s in a valley where an old wetland was located. A lot of stormwater gathers in the area, and runoff water is directed to the park from further away. Water is the dominant element of the park. All park's functions are designed around water. 

The park's old water pool has been renovated, and a new one has been built. Stormwater flows through a winding brook on the northern edge of the park to the water pools in the recreation area.
 

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The park has small meadows where water is stored and absorbed during flood peaks. These flood meadows differ from each other by vegetation, in which herbaceous and woody plants vary. Meadows attract a variety of insects and butterflies, which for their part attract predatory insects, rodents and birds. Rich insect population and new birdhouses is also an improvement for the birds' habitat. 

The renovation advances sustainability in urban nature

The coziness of the park was improved with new stone paving and seating steps, outdoor furniture, lighting and vegetation. The recreation area was built accessible, and resting places were placed along the paths.

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The diversity of the park´s vegetation was strengthened to make it more climate-resilient. All perennial and shrub areas were designed to be multi-species and dynamic, i.e. modeled after nature. Natural and garden plants were inventively combined, and rare species were choosenchosen for their beauty and increase in diversity. 
 

– High-quality materials and circular economy were considered important in the renovation of the park. Surplus and recycled stones from the city's warehouse were used in the stone structures. All the excavation masses were utilised by shaping them into a mound that serves as a sunbathing place in the summer and as a sledding hill for children in the winter, says Timo Mattila, the landscaping constructorcontractor of the park. 

– This reduced both material costs and carbon footprint in a resource-wise way.
 

The finalists of the competition value biodiversity and the sustainable principles of environmental construction

The Environmental Structure of the Year competition has been highlighting exemplary environmental sites since 1992. The award is given for meritorious design and implementation of built environment. 

In addition to Pielespuisto in Jyväskylä, four sites made it to the finals of the 2024 award: Töölönlahti Summer Park and Saukonpaasi park in Helsinki, Jokikeskus in Pori and Hatsina park in Espoo. Hatsina Park was chosen as the winner.