It all started with a resident's idea
Kaarina Kukka Korkeaoja has always been interested in parks and gardens. Her favourite in Oulunkylä is Ruutanapark because of its handsome trees. Over the years, however, the park had become a little run-down and lacked lighting. With the cherry trees in blossom and the autumn rush, Korkeaoja had the idea to renovate Ruutanapark and develop it into a Japanese garden.
Ruutanapark was founded by the City of Helsinki in 1965, around the same time as the first apartment blocks were built around the station. Ruutanapark was renovated in the late 1990s and around 20 cherry trees were planted. Now, the OmaStadi project has added a Japanese-inspired gateway, stone groups and planting to add atmosphere. Lighting was brought in and rest areas were upgraded to improve recreational opportunities.
Aiming to increase comfort
The opening ceremony took place on Friday 9 May, when the cherry trees were in bloom, and the opening ribbon was cut by the Japanese Ambassador to Finland, Takashi Okada, assisted by the cherry blossom queens. The Cherry Blossom Queens, who are crowned annually, act as cultural ambassadors between Japan and Finland, and were an obvious choice for the task. "The restoration of the Cherry Orchard Park is a testament to the Finnish interest in Japanese culture and nature. The park symbolises the friendship between the Japanese and the Finns," said the Ambassador in his speech, adding that he hoped the park would become a beloved and cherished meeting place for the people of Oulu.
The City of Helsinki was represented at the event by Deputy Mayor Daniel Sazonov, who in his speech highlighted the many dimensions of the park reform: the park reform will bring comfort and vitality to the area around the station. At the same time, it shows how active citizens are rewarded, and how the district benefits from active residents and residents' associations. "Oulunkylä is a vibrant and growing district, and it is important to ensure its overall well-being. The park will enhance the atmosphere of the area and can become a common living and breathing space for everyone.
Kaarina Kukka Korkeaoja, who is behind the proposal, hopes that residents will take ownership of the park. There are many wedding ceremonies at the nearby church, and couples can use Ruutanpark as a wedding photo location. In the future, the park could also be used for Oulunkylä's own cherry blossom Hanamia festival. "I hope that Ruutanapark will be further developed in a Japanese direction and that a second entrance gate will be built and more cherry and conifer trees will be planted."
Background on participatory budgeting, OmaStadi
"Omastadi offers an exciting opportunity for citizens to contribute to the development of the city with their own ideas. However, budgeting should be more precise than in 2022, when only part of the Ruutanapuisto development proposal, which was voted to be implemented, could be financed with the budget calculated for the project," says Korkeaoja, referring to the fact that the original proposal also included lighting the Oulunkylä Seurahuone, a community centre in the area, but there was not enough money for this.
"Participatory budgeting is a relatively new approach in Helsinki, and we are constantly learning more ourselves as we implement projects," says Elina Pentikäinen, the city pilot for the area. She encourages citizens to continue to make OmaStadi proposals. "Thanks to the city for the OmaStadi system, which has also been improved after each round!" says Korkeaoja.
A new round of OmaStadi will start in autumn 2025 and proposals can be submitted from 22 September to 5 October 2025.