According to Development Coordinator Katariina Pahkasalo, the upgrade will increase vegetation and green surfaces, as well as add shade structures that help reduce heat stress, particularly in children’s daily activities. Nature-based solutions for stormwater management will also be implemented.
The planning and construction of the yard are being carried out by Tampereen Tilapalvelut Ltd and Tampere Infra Ltd in cooperation with the City of Tampere and project partners.
– We are making changes that improve the functionality and comfort of the yard while ensuring it can withstand varying weather conditions. At the same time, we are developing models that can later be applied to other sites, says Harri Mannonen, Property Manager at Tampereen Tilapalvelut Ltd.
The impacts of the changes in the Metsäniitty area will be monitored through measurements conducted by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) before and after the renovation.
The yard upgrade is linked to the EU-funded SMARTER project, which develops nature-based solutions to strengthen cities’ climate resilience. The aim is to help cities adapt to challenges such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, while also enhancing urban biodiversity.
According to Pahkasalo, Tampere is one of the project’s pilot cities, and the Metsäniitty daycare and school yard serves as a local demonstration site.
The City of Kuopio is also involved in the project, contributing to the development of solutions and assessing how they could be applied in its own locations.
The SMARTER project is part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. It brings together cities, experts and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change. The knowledge and operating models created in the project can later be widely utilised in other cities as well.
The renovation of the Metsäniitty yard supports Tampere’s climate goals and neighbourhood development. Kaukajärvi and Annala are priority areas in the Neighbourhood Development Programme for 2026–2029.
THL invites residents aged over 15 in Annala, Kaukajärvi and nearby areas to respond to a survey concerning the Metsäniitty daycare and school yard. The survey collects information on how the current yard is used and experienced.
Responses are open until 31 May 2026.
The short survey takes approximately five minutes to complete. Five gift vouchers (worth €20 each) will be raffled among respondents. All responses will be treated confidentially.
