“On Thursday, November 13, 2025, we gathered in the Seurala yard in Pojanluoma for a future walk. At the beginning of the event, we toured the yard of the Seurala village hall and discussed its possibilities and various development ideas. Due to the windy and drizzly weather, we quickly moved indoors to take a closer look at what needs to be taken into account when designing the yard, and how the project can be implemented sustainably. My thoughts were directed directly towards how to make the yard more comfortable for children and young people. How to make the Seurala environment one that would invite people to spend time and be inviting to young people at village hall events.
We were guided there by the regional architect of the South Ostrobothnia Regional Council. Annukka Kuoppala. He highlighted the most important planning points: what activities are desired, what is the available budget and what are the maintenance options. It is important to consider what is desired to be maintained when planning the village hall environment. In the case of the community hall, it is a matter of the view “to the roof”, meaning that the yard still wants to be kept open, even if wind protection is considered.
Could a campfire site be developed in the yard, near which it would be natural to spend time while admiring the lake? Building a small playground for children was also considered, as long as it could be done safely.
The visit of the regional architect to the village hall interested the residents. Time will tell in which direction the Seurala courtyard will develop, inspired by the Future Walk.
Since yard design is a multi-step process, Kuoppala also emphasized practical issues such as walkways, snow placement and consideration of electrical possibilities. Kuoppala reminded that the village hall is in use all year round, so it is good to design the landscape architecture to be year-round and suitable for the era of the buildings. It is important to remember that the yard should be versatile and suitable for different villagers, so it is important to remember and involve young people and children in the design. A small courtyard is not suitable for the southern Ostrobothnian countryside, so large complexes are often better suited around village houses.
The future walk highlighted the diversity and scope of possibilities. With the help of Annukka Kuoppala's expertise, the ideas became concrete and the importance of planning was emphasized.
Time will tell in which direction the Seurala courtyard will develop, inspired by the Future Walk.”
Laura Niemi, Member of the Liiveri board and youth division
The walk was implemented by the Liiverin Eco-Acts Together project. Would you like to organize a similar idea walk in your village? Contact Sanna!