Sustainable Development of the Palokka Waterways
Grunder, Ramona (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121737445
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121737445
Tiivistelmä
The goal of this work was to investigate how the Palokka area can improve its lakes and rivers to increase their attractiveness for residents and visitors. The work was commissioned by Palokka Seura ry and aimed to understand the current use of the waterways by its residents and future expectations. Additionally, to gain insight into stakeholders' understanding of the area and their expectations. The goal was to gain insight into both the residents' and stakeholders' points of view to create a basis for future sustainable outdoor recreation planning.
Qualitative research methods have been used, and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, such as associations, sports clubs, and experts active in the area. The questionnaire collected descriptive and qualitative
open-ended answers. Answers were collected by sharing the questionnaire through social media channels, mainly via the Palokka Seura Facebook group and the
author’s private Instagram page.
The interviews put the need for rental equipment for outdoor recreational activities into the spotlight. Further highlights were the need for a concrete long-term plan and the restoration and cleaning of the waterways, guided activities, as well as improved communication and understanding with landowners. Interview results also stressed the documentation and sharing of the history of the waterways and strengthening the residents' sense of place, cooperation and tourism potential, and including communities in decision-making.
The surveys highlighted the importance of improved and expanded facilities, improved accessibility, more consistent environmental maintenance, inclusion in decision-making, and a desire for rental equipment. In addition, many respondents described the importance of the ambience and atmosphere and the seasonal and sensory experiences associated with the waterways.
Based on the results, suggestions include improving communication, especially with landowners, improving infrastructure and accessibility, and focusing on cooperation and the areas' tourism potential. Furthermore, offering possibilities for rental equipment, guided activities, inclusion in decision-making, strengthening the local identity, and creating a concrete long-term plan for the waterways.
Qualitative research methods have been used, and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, such as associations, sports clubs, and experts active in the area. The questionnaire collected descriptive and qualitative
open-ended answers. Answers were collected by sharing the questionnaire through social media channels, mainly via the Palokka Seura Facebook group and the
author’s private Instagram page.
The interviews put the need for rental equipment for outdoor recreational activities into the spotlight. Further highlights were the need for a concrete long-term plan and the restoration and cleaning of the waterways, guided activities, as well as improved communication and understanding with landowners. Interview results also stressed the documentation and sharing of the history of the waterways and strengthening the residents' sense of place, cooperation and tourism potential, and including communities in decision-making.
The surveys highlighted the importance of improved and expanded facilities, improved accessibility, more consistent environmental maintenance, inclusion in decision-making, and a desire for rental equipment. In addition, many respondents described the importance of the ambience and atmosphere and the seasonal and sensory experiences associated with the waterways.
Based on the results, suggestions include improving communication, especially with landowners, improving infrastructure and accessibility, and focusing on cooperation and the areas' tourism potential. Furthermore, offering possibilities for rental equipment, guided activities, inclusion in decision-making, strengthening the local identity, and creating a concrete long-term plan for the waterways.