This year, the City of Tampere held park meals in Hervanta, Kaukajärvi, Lielahti, Peltolammi and Tesoma from 5 June to 27 July. The events included activities and free meals for all children and young people under 16.
In summer 2023, a total of 11 768 meals were distributed in the parks. The number of meals distributed doubled compared to last year.
– Our aim was to support the daily lives of families with children. The doubled number of meals shows that we have reached families well and that park meals are becoming familiar, says Leena Viitasaari, Planning Director of the City of Tampere.
There was also an increase in the number of children and young people participating in activities such as games, sports, music and cultural performances.
– The food and programme provided a nice package for families spending their summer day, adds Heidi Rantanen, project planner who coordinated the park dining activities.
– In Hervanta, Kaukajärvi, Peltolammi and Tesoma, park meal events are a familiar activity from the previous year. In each of these areas, between 2 420 and 2 670 meals were served. Park meal events were new in Lielahti. Some 1 740 meals were served there, says Rantanen.
The summer holiday season was reflected in the number of visitors. In July, fewer meals were served than in June.
During the summer, feedback was collected from children, young people and families who participated in the park meal events. The feedback was mostly positive. Half of the more than 680 responses rated the food prepared by Pirkanmaan Voimia as excellent and worthy of five stars. Almost as many gave the park's activities an excellent rating.
In the free feedback, respondents praised the relaxed atmosphere of the park meal events, nice activities and the friendly food service staff, among other things. The children enjoyed meeting friends and playing with them. Eating outside was particularly fun for many.
The park meal events were organised jointly by the City of Tampere and several partners.
Alongside the city, the main organisers of the event were the Pirkanmaa Welfare Region, TampereMissio and Kansalaistalo Mansikkapaikka. Regional organisations were also involved. Many private individuals also offered their help in food distribution.
– Thank you to all of you, as well as to the actors who organised the programme! The park meal events were such a success thanks to the excellent cooperation, says Planning Director Viitasaari.
