Tampere to green Metsäniitty schoolyard with shade and nature-based stormwater features

According to the City of Tampere, the Metsäniitty daycare and school yard will be renovated this summer to increase planting, add shade structures and introduce nature-based stormwater solutions designed to reduce heat stress for children.

Development coordinator Katariina Pahkasalo says the project will expand green surfaces and install shading to ease hot spells while using natural methods to manage runoff. Tampereen Tilapalvelut Oy and Tampereen Infra Oy will lead design and construction. Harri Mannonen, property manager at Tampereen Tilapalvelut Oy, says the changes aim to improve functionality and durability and to create models that can be used at other sites. The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) will measure conditions before and after the works to monitor the effects.

The upgrade is part of the EU-funded SMARTER project under Horizon Europe, which develops nature-based solutions to strengthen urban climate resilience. Kuopio is also taking part. The city says the pilot supports its climate targets and the Neighborhood Development Programme 2026–2029, with Kaukajärvi and Annala highlighted as focus areas. THL is inviting residents aged over 15 in Annala, Kaukajärvi and nearby areas to complete a five-minute survey about current yard use and experiences. The questionnaire is open until 31 May 2026; responses are confidential and five €20 gift cards will be drawn among respondents.