Leader funding creates 200 new sports facilities a year. The skate park opened in Jalasjärvi this summer is a model example of cooperation between the city, the third sector and residents.
Consultation with residents is strongly enshrined in the new Local Government Act. Instead of being an obligation, participation can also be viewed as an opportunity. In that case, the Leader project becomes a practical tool.
This is exactly what happened in Jalasjärvi, where a beautiful skate park was built on the shores of Lake Lamminjärvi with the help of the entire community. The idea was initiated by Mukula ry, the city applied for funding from Liiver, and the young enthusiasts were allowed to design the place themselves.
– Everything progressed surprisingly quickly, says the father of the idea and Mukula ry's multi-tasker Mikko Jokipii.
I raise money through collaboration.
Jokipii was also involved when the first skate park was built in Jalasjärvi in 2000. However, the old place had reached the end of its life and the dilapidated elements began to pose a safety risk.
– Especially Savinainen Nikolla played a big role in the city. As a leisure planner at the time, he actively promoted the issue.
It was decided to move the new parking lot to a better location and replace the plywood ramps with concrete elements. The city of Kurikka took on the role of builder and applied for funding for the 100,000 euro project from Liiver. Mukula ry also sponsored the project with 5,000 euro.
– Although the initial costs were high, concrete is a durable and practically maintenance-free material, Jokipii says.
Involving users in design
Residents played a very important role in the planning of the park.
– We in youth work immediately raised our hands, because we are not experts in the field, says a youth worker looking for help. Hannele Niemela.
So local skateboarders were called together at the youth center. The design work was made easier by the fact that the elements could be purchased ready-made from one place and their exact price was known.
– We were handed a catalogue at Wilhola and told how much the whole thing would cost. From there we started thinking about what kind of things would work in practice, says the long-time fan of the sport. Eetu Anttisaari.
Anttisaari was the one who sketched the first elements on graph paper. The end result largely corresponds to the original plan.
Scootering is popular with children
It's the first summer and the skate park has been in heavy use every night. What seems like an easy trick is actually a great and sometimes strenuous exercise.
“Yes, you do sweat,” admits Anttisaari, who goes to the park to skate four or five days a week.
The age range of enthusiasts ranges from elementary school students to those in their twenties. Scootering, or stunt scootering, has become a favorite sport especially among younger people.
– The new park has also suited their needs well, Anttisaari estimates.
Success makes you think of more ideas
The paperwork and financial responsibility for a large project can sometimes seem overwhelming to volunteers. Since the city of Jalasjärvi handled the project management, the volunteers were able to focus on what they were doing. The smooth running of the project inspires residents to be active in the future.
“A traffic park could really fit next to the skate park,” Jokipii smiles.
Photo: The Liiver board visited Jalasjärvi in August, where the fruits of cross-sectoral cooperation were presented by the director of sports and recreation Annukka Siltakorpi, Mukula multi-tasker and city councilor Mikko Jokipii, outreach youth worker Hannele Niemelä, youth instructor Siiri Mannila, and enthusiasts Eetu Anttisaari and Petri Mäenpää.