In the village of Munakaa, there is a strong spirit of action. This year, a Leader-funded history board route will be built in the village. The route is not only a concrete project to preserve the past, but also a strong sign of community spirit and enthusiasm for the development of one's own village.
Currently, there is no sports trail in the area of Munakka village. Alajoki landscapes and Kyrönjoki attract you to move around the area on foot or by bike. Interesting sites have been requested for the area.
The idea of a history board route arose Merja Riikonen on the utilization of previously compiled material.
- I have previously written a book about Munakka's residents' history called Village Region History I. The materials for the second part are being collected and written in the best time, says Riikonen, who works in Munaka's village association.
- Since the pictures and information have accumulated, we started to think about whether the material could be used elsewhere, and from that we got the idea for the history route.
Local history for those traveling along the route
During 2024, the Munakka village association will set up 12 history boards at central and historically significant places in the area to tell about the village's past. The boards will be placed at a distance of about 10 kilometers.
The history board route will offer both a physical and a virtual experience of the village's history. An electronic map base, which is connected to the village association's website, enables viewing the route in advance and virtual travel. You can find more information and pictures about the connection of each board, and QR codes lead directly to additional information on the terrain.
The signs extensively present the local history of the area. Topics include, for example, a sawmill, the Munaka measuring station, the railway bridge and railway, three shops and the village of Kuffee.
- The sign on Ujainen Mäki tells about the first inhabitant of the Munaka area who moved to the area at the end of the 18th century, says Riikonen.
Nice team work for a common goal
The project not only offers new attractions and exercise opportunities for the villagers, but it also strengthens the sense of community and the tradition of talko work. The village's history board route acts as an attractive attraction factor among both current and future villagers. The local experience of young families is strengthened when they get to know the history of the village, while older residents can share their valuable knowledge and traditions with the next generations.
Participating in the project process has aroused widespread interest among the villagers, and many have enthusiastically committed themselves to the work of clearing. The sense of community in the village is further strengthened when the villagers join forces for a common goal. Munakka has a good desire to do multi-generational work.
According to Riikonen, there are a lot of hours spent as a janitor, but it doesn't matter because the work is meaningful and the team is nice.
- We are in the mood to do things here! The village club includes pro-development people who have a desire to do things and renew operations. There are a lot of young people, Riikonen is happy.
Once completed, the trail will be open year-round free of charge, offering villagers and visitors the opportunity to learn about the area's rich history.
Pictured: Sami Knaapila (left), Ari Ketelä and Merja Riikonen. A history board about the youth club will be placed in the corner of Munakka's youth club building.