Lakeuden Elämysliikunta ry has developed the area of Jouppilanvuori and Kyrkösjärvi in Seinäjoki into a health exercise area suitable for all kinds of users. The association, together with the city of Seinäjoki, has implemented experiential exercise routes and experiential destinations in many EU Rural Development Fund projects. The association has recognized that, in addition to investments, activities, cooperation, events and information are also needed in order to know how to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the region even more. These measures were aimed at in the Luontotalo Käpälikkö project, which ended in the fall of 2023.
The purpose of Lakeuden Elämysliikunta ry, which has been operating since 2008, is e.g. to promote experiential exercise as a hobby. In 2009, Seinäjoki declared itself an experiential sports city, and since then the activities have been goal-oriented and long-term. In the area of Jouppilanvuori and Kyrkösjärvi, e.g. a barefoot path, fitness areas, piers, a stone path, a birdhouse gallery and the Experience Stairs, as well as an accessible children's route Squirrel Path with its destinations. All routes and destinations are accessible.
As one of the projects, the association implemented a nature house completed at the end of 2014, which was named Nature House Käpälikkö. The house is used by all citizens as an information place about nature.
- Käpälikkö is also the departure and return point of adventure sports routes, where route maps related to the nearby nature and material about adventure destinations are on display. At the end of 2017, the Sirius hut was completed next to the nature house, where you can stop on a camping holiday, says Hannu Salo From Lakeuden Elämysliikunta ry.
In the Make the Nature Park Käpälikkö functional project, Nature House Käpälikkö and the Sirius hut were developed into versatile destinations that serve the public and better meet the needs of both hikers and tourists. The project developed marketing and communication to the outside and renewed various services. Käpälikö's comfort as a meeting and tourist location was improved and information about routes and destinations was increased. The goal was to improve the image of nature house Käpälikö and to increase the public's interest in the whole experience movement.
During the project, cooperation between different organizations was promoted by organizing e.g. various public events and competitions, such as the annual Käpälikö Nature Day, Käpälikö Christmas Country and the "Outside, like a Snowman" event and pole-walking events. The purpose was to produce the kind of activity that will continue after the project with vitality. Through the piloting of the events, a working concept was found among the cooperating organizations. Everyone in the organization knows their role, and it is no longer necessary to hold only 1-2 meetings before the occasion.
- A concept has been created in which the Lakeuden Elämysliikunta ry bears the main responsibility for the events and the partners join the group according to the content of the event, Salo says.
The association is very satisfied with the achievements.
The Jouppilanvuori and Kyrkösjärvi areas of Seinäjoki have been developed in a targeted manner for years.
- At the end of the project, it can be stated that the goals were achieved surprisingly well. A basis for marketing has been created, a high level has been achieved as an organizer of public events together with partners. Added route experiences and willingness to buy different services from the association with the help of advertising.
Ideation continuously produces significant results as a result of a good cooperation network and the cooperation of the people of Talkoo, so there is room for development in the future as well. In Lakeuden Elämysliikunta ry, we feel that productive services are necessary for developing the association's operations and hiring personnel.
- The most important of the future plans are still increasing visibility. The association is well-known and respected for its construction work and structures, as well as public events. Guided services are new and need additional marketing, Hannu Salo sums up.