Article categories: News
Vote to decide which participatory budgeting ideas will be implemented with €15,000!
Published: 17.4.2025
This year, the City of Vaasa has earmarked €15,000 for the implementation of the residents’ ideas through participatory budgeting. Vaasa residents were invited to submit their ideas through February and March, and you contributed an impressive 258 ideas. Voting for the winner is open until 5 May and the winner will be announced on 19 May.
– Your suggestions were wonderfully diverse again this year. It was also interesting to see how the time of year had an impact on the suggestions, as we received several ideas related to winter activities. Several of the ideas are already moving forward through other channels. For example, an artificial ice rink is already on the investment plan for 2027, Palosaari has a 400-metre skating track in winter, and a better snow park will be built at Öjberget for next winter using surplus soil masses, says Suvi Aho, Strategy Manager.
Participatory budgeting aims to involve citizens in the development of their environment and to raise awareness of ways in which public money can be used.
In previous years, projects such as the cherry orchard, wildflower meadow, winter swimming spot, and additional benches and bins along the Waterfront Promenade have been implemented.
Vote for your favourite idea by 5 May!
You can vote for your favourite idea online until 5 May at www.vaasa.fi/en/participatory-budgeting/
You can also vote at Citizen Services located in Tammipiha (Teräksenkuja 1) and at the Vähäkyrö joint service point (Vähänkyröntie 11) during the opening hours.
You can vote for your favourite from the following ideas:
- Rowboats available to borrow at Ukkokari, Onkilahti and Vähäkyrö.
- A fountain in the basin outside the Court of Appeal
- A natural ice skating track close to the city centre
- An outdoor activity area in the forest by Alkula farm
- A cold-water plunge pool at the swimming hall
- Bookable kiosks along the Waterfront Promenade and near the ruins of Old Vaasa
- Street art / mural on a building or in underpasses
- More outdoor gym equipment at or near sports facilities
- Community sing-along event in Hietasaari
- 3 vs. 3 basketball court in the city centre
Those who leave their contact details will participate in a draw for a Vaasa-themed prize.
The winning idea will be announced on 19 May. You can follow the progress of the idea on the city’s social media channels.