A Map Survey for the residents of Kaukajärvi and Annala collected almost 500 responses
In February 2024, the Kaukajärvi and Annala Neighbourhood Programme used a map survey to ask residents about four areas for development to support its ongoing work.
The residents' survey asked about the development of the Haihara Manor area, the sites for the nature conservation walk, the outdoor gym at the Kaukajärvi leisure centre and lighting. A total of 479 responses were received.
-Residents have been interested in influencing the affairs of their own neighbourhood, and I would like to thank everyone who responded to this survey," says Henna Kuitunen, Project Manager of the Kaukajärvi and Annala Neighbourhood Programme, with satisfaction.
Hopes and ideas for events were put forward for the Haihara Manor area
The Haihara Manor area is important to the residents of the area, as almost 80% of the respondents had visited Haihara in the last year. By far the most popular events that respondents wanted to organise in Haihara were flea markets, bazaars, concerts or gigs, as well as continuing to organise music, theatre and exhibitions for different age groups. Activities, hobbies and clubs were also very popular, as were year-round café activities.
The development of the Haihara Manor area will continue and progress will be reported separately.
Lighting improvements were requested, especially for leisure areas
In the Kaukajärvi area, lighting improvements were most desired for leisure sites and trails, such as the area around Isolammi and Isolamminpuisto park, and the Grahninpuisto park´s lakeside trail on the shores of Kaukajärvi. In Annala, deficiencies were particularly evident around the Karonen school field and the outdoor gym in Karosenpuisto park. A complete lack of lighting was reported especially in the Riihiniemi area, and on the footpaths from Kuminakatu and Kuminapolku.
The city will contribute to overcoming these shortcomings during the period 2024-2025.
The Isolammenpuisto park area is the most desirable place to tackle invasive alien species
Almost all of the 12 asked alien species have been recorded in the Isolamminpuisto park area (south of Isolammi), making it the most popular place to tackle invasive alien species. Other locations most frequently mentioned were the shore area of Kaukajärvi from Riihiniemi to Annala beach, Tammipuisto park and Karimaanpuisto park. By far the highest number of people wanted to take action to tackle giant balsam.
Based on the responses to the survey, three places for volunteer invasive alien species projects will be decided in summer 2024. The city will put instructions for these solo projects to chosen places. The selected places will be announced separately closer to the summer.
The main feature of an outdoor gym is usability
One third of the respondents had used the outdoor gym at Kaukajärvi leisure centre in the past year. There was a wish to replace the equipment and the most important features for renewal were seen as ease of use, number of machines and sufficient resistance. The most desired equipment was a leg squat with adjustable weights, a crosstrainer (elliptical) and a balance board.
Residents' views will be used to support the design of the renewal. The renewal is expected to be implemented this year.
A summary of the residents' survey can be found (only in Finnish) on the Kaukajärvi and Annala Neighbourhood Program´s website.
The Kaukajärvi and Annala Neighbourhood Programme will be implemented between 2023 and 2025 and will promote the vision of "live like in a small town", created with the residents and stakeholders of the area. The vision is aiming for a vibrant, community-based and nature-oriented district.
