The Lamminjärvi area, located in the center of Jalasjärvi, has been developed in a variety of ways in recent years. A big thank you for the development of the area goes to active people who have implemented various projects in the area. The city of Kurikka has also focused its efforts on the area.
Killing two birds with one stone through the power of cooperation
One of Lamminjärvi's largest investments has been the Kurikan Energia Arena on the west shore, which also serves as the baseball field for Jalasjärvi's Jalas and the stage for the Jalasjärvi Fälly Theatre.
The project began in 2023 when Fälly Theatre returned home from its theatrical tour in Ikaalisti.
Theatergoers sitting in the same car Suvi Valkama, Saana Heinola and Jukka Saarinen had been wondering where to find a place in Jalasjärvi for the theater that would have either an auditorium or a stage ready.
– Jukka, who has a lot of influence in baseball in Jalasjärvi, said that the baseball section had thought about getting a canopy for the stands at the Jalas baseball field, Suvi Valkama recalls.
The idea began to germinate and the idea of a collaboration was born, through which Fällyteatteri and Jalas could build a canopy for the auditorium and a movable stage.
– Baseball Division and the City of Kurikka Reetta Yli-Hynnilä have done a great job with the project applications.
Funding for the project was received from the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, the EU and the city.
The Fälly Theatre team's commitment to the project was evident in the catering work carried out in collaboration with the baseball division.
The project also received praise from the city of Kurikka, which awarded it the 2024 Cultural Cooperation of the Year award.
– It was really great! Collaboration with different parties has always been particularly important to Fällyteatteri, Valkama is delighted with the award.
The first screenings in the new setting were successfully performed last summer.
– The covered grandstand is really appreciated by the spectators. The Lamminjärvi area is also very beautiful and has received praise from people.
Valkama hopes that the existing stage and good auditorium will be utilized in a variety of ways for other actors as well.
– For example, you could organize singing evenings or small-scale concerts there, he suggests.
The library's Eskari residents are enjoying themselves at Lamminjärvi
The staff of the Bookstore, located in the center of Jalasjärvi, go hiking in the Lamminjärvi area all year round.
They are heavily using a nature trail implemented by 4H, along which various signs and QR codes have been installed.
– The last time we went there, we listened to Sulo the otter's rap code.
kaa, the book store clerk's nanny Hanna Kiviranta tells.
In his opinion, the Lamminjärvi area has been developed in a diverse way and users of all ages have been taken into account.
– It's great that there's something to do there, but also the opportunity to calm down, for example by sitting on a bench and listening to the sounds of nature.
The traffic park stands out as a favorite destination for Eskari residents in Lamminjärvi.
– We haven't used the cars found there, but we've otherwise moved around like cars and we may have had disposable plates as steering wheels.
According to Kiviranta, bird pong is also one of the children's favorite activities.
– Seeing them is always so delightful. We think we saw a stork once, but we're not completely sure, he laughs.
According to Kiviranta, it is clear from the children's conversations that they also use the area outside the school grounds.
– Many people have used the nesting field and one of our Eskari residents was also a regular user of the opening.
In children's dreams, Lake Lamminjärvi could be developed further, at least with an obstacle course.
– An amusement park, a roller coaster and an outdoor Hop-Lop were also mentioned, Kiviranta laughs.
The development work has brought together residents and operators
The area has been developed for years and received an additional boost through a development project applied for by the City of Kurikka, which aimed to involve and bring together the area's residents and various actors, says Reetta Yli-Hynnilä, who led the project.
Among other things, the beach in Lamminjärvi has been improved, an outdoor gym has been built, the traffic park has been renovated, a padel court has been built, and transportation connections have been improved.
A new skate park was built in the area in 2017, but it will be renovated in the future.
The areas developed so far have been located on the western shore of the pond, but according to Yli-Hynnilä, plenty of ideas have also been received during planning meetings for other areas.
– On the eastern side, where there is currently an old sand field, artificial turf, an ice rink and a playground are planned, among other things.
Development ideas have also been presented for the north side, where there is a beach volleyball court.
– Football and basketball fields, as well as agility opportunities, have been planned there.
The wishes have focused particularly on increasing the area's sports opportunities. According to Yli-Hynnilä, it is noticeable that sports clubs would like to concentrate their activities and bring their training to the Lamminjärvi area.
– The Kiuaskallio area is a large sports area in Jalasjärvi. At the moment, Lamminjärvi does not have training facilities for sports other than baseball. I see that associations want to develop the area in that area.
– I encourage associations to be in touch on matters related to the development of the area. I help associations move forward and advise them on applying for funding.