On December 18, 2025, the Housing and Real Estate Committee approved the Outdoor Recreation Service Program with some additions. Among other things, the committee emphasized increasing children’s and young people’s enthusiasm for outdoor activities as part of daycare and school days, so that interest in movement and recreation would arise and continue later in adulthood.
The program sets guidelines for developing the city’s outdoor recreation services and maintaining existing sites between 2026 and 2035. Its objectives include promoting well-being and health as well as creating memorable experiences. Residents, visitors, associations, and businesses will be offered high-quality facilities for diverse outdoor activities. The first phase focuses on improving local hiking networks and renovating existing structures.
– We are building Tampere into a hiking capital in a systematic and long-term manner within the budget framework. With ambitious outdoor services, we aim to encourage more people to enjoy nature, which enhances well-being and health. We will deliver services responsibly and in collaboration with various partners, says Deputy Mayor Jaakko Mustakallio.
Next year, special attention will be given to the renovation of boardwalks in Kintulammi and improving trail durability at Hervantajärvi.
– The upgrades to Kintulammi and Hervantajärvi trail networks are the most urgent maintenance needs. Completing the Teeren Taival trail is also planned, pending confirmation of the ongoing outdoor route designation process. In addition, a rest area and guided trail are planned for Solkivuori at Kaukajärvi district during 2026, explains Forest Management Chief Anne Tuominen.
The estimated cost of implementing the Outdoor Recreation Service Program between 2026 and 2035 is a total of €7.7 million. An additional appropriation of €150,000 has been secured for next year, bringing the total budget for 2026 to €610,000.
Maintenance costs during the program period will average €560,000 per year, and investments €210,000 per year. The planning and implementation of new destinations will progress at a pace enabled by available funding.
The program guides the maintenance of outdoor destinations and trails, planning and implementation of new sites, as well as cooperation and communication efforts. Regional implementation plans will be prepared for Tampere’s eight outdoor recreation areas. Based on these plans, new hiking, paddling, and mountain biking routes will be built, along with rest areas, reservable shelters, and improved trail signage.
In 2026, additional funding will enable the construction of approximately 10 kilometers of new guided trails. Three new rest areas will be completed (Koirajärvi, Solkivuori, Kaulamoinen), two of which will include a campfire site and shelter.
– With the extra funding, we can allocate two additional person-years for planning, implementation, and communication, as well as materials and equipment for the increased workload. Separate funding will allow us to complete accessible trails and fishing piers at Kintulammi and Hangasniemi, Tuominen adds.
The draft program was available for public review in the autumn, and feedback focused on principles for organizing outdoor services, such as accessibility, sustainability, and responsibility. Many comments also highlighted the importance of communication, particularly for special groups.
These inputs have been incorporated by refining service principles and strengthening communication and engagement measures.
