– We are already planning next summer’s park dining. The goal is to be able to continue in approximately the same way and in the same areas as before. Last year, park dining took place in Hervanta, Kaukajärvi, Peltolammi, and Tesoma, says Jarno Koskinen, regional coordinator of park dining from the City of Tampere.
Park dining took place on four weekdays a week from 11.00 to 13.00. During the first hour, the programme included instructed activities such as music, exercise, and games. Dining began at noon, at which time a warm meal was available to all Tampere residents under the age of 16.
– Park dining is a nice summer activity for the whole family. Children have the opportunity to play and do things together with others before eating. Eating outdoors is a fun change in everyday life, and it is not necessary to go home to have lunch in the middle of a beautiful summer day, Koskinen says.
Park dining is carried out in cooperation between the city and the operators in the area. The city is responsible for the costs of catering in the park and for coordinating the activity. Parishes, associations, businesses, and other operators participate alongside the city in the implementation of the programme and the food distribution of park dining.
– Last year, we received dozens of phone calls from Tampere residents who offered help with park dining. This kind of volunteering is also possible this year, says regional coordinator Jarno Koskinen.
The city is currently looking for partners in next summer's park dining from various parts of the city. Regional associations, clubs, organisations, and companies can join the activity by offering work input, products, or services.
– Even the smallest help is valuable. For instance, it would be great if we could borrow furniture, get game and play equipment for children, or get someone to come in with a van to help with transports on a couple of days. Visiting stars, such as care dogs, police officers, fire fighters, or large machines with operators are also welcome, says Koskinen.
– Sports and cultural associations can come organise hour-long activity for children on one or two days, and recreational and neighbourhood associations can come talk about their activity that is suitable for the whole family. After all, park dining events are family events, as the youngest children are there with adults.
Volunteers are also needed to help with the actual food distribution and related arrangements.
– Companies and organisations can show their social responsibility by allowing employees to come help carry out park dining events on one day for a couple of hours. Private individuals can also volunteer to help, says Koskinen.
At each food distribution point, there is a person in charge who will instruct with tasks. Volunteers are not required to have any special expertise. First aid skills and a hygiene passport or other hygiene training are beneficial in food distribution, but they are not required.
Residents, associations, and businesses can use the form to express their interest in participating in park dining. The registration is open until the end of March.
– When you sign up, you can indicate the area and the dates suitable for you. I hope that the volunteers would be able to commit to these, because the information forms the basis of the plan for the summer. It is possible that we will not be able to include everyone who has signed up. In any case, we will be in touch with everyone who registers, says regional coordinator Jarno Koskinen.
An information session on next summer’s park dining will be held on Wednesday 15 February 2023 from 13:00 p.m. to 14:00 p.m. The event is intended for partners and other interested parties. The remote event can also be joined by those who are only just considering getting involved. The event will be primarily in Finnish.
The link to the remote event will be posted on the city website: www.tampere.fi/puistoruokailu. A recording of the event will be available until 28 February 2023.
