VIVA – Recreation and Free Time Spaces in the Oulu Region

The goal of this work is to create an up-to-date review of the Oulu Region’s recreation and free times spaces, destinations and routes as well as to compile a development plan for them. An initial step of the plan is to compile location data of all existing recreation and free time spaces, destinations and routes from municipalities and other operators.  

The goal is to compile a development plan that will acknowledge the accessibility of all spaces with sustainable modes of transport. Resident participation is an essential part of the work. Residents get to participate through map-based surveys and interviews with central operators. 

The final product will be an illustrative report and electronic map presentation that compiles all collected spaces, destinations and routes as well as new development recommendations.  

The work serves a purpose beyond the promotion of recreation and free time activities, as it also serves as a tool of land use and tourism planning. The plan area covers all eight municipalities in the Oulu Region: Hailuoto, Ii, Kempele, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Oulu and Tyrnävä. 

The development plan compilation is directed by the Oulu Region’s municipalities, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, Council of the Oulu Region, BusinessOulu and Metsähallitus. Ramboll Finland Oy serves as a specialist consultant in the process. 

As many residents in the region and other visitors as possible are reached in the initial stage of the work by compiling an open survey for everyone interested. The respondents had a chance to share feedback regarding the theme directly onto a map as well – offering concreteness in development suggestions.  

On top of the survey, the compilation includes: 

• Interviews with central stakeholders 
• Two workshops 
• Two presentation events regarding the project 
• Final report in the form of a map