Proposals that made it to the voting phase

Reasons for the decision:
A free event for families with children that lasts all weekend requires planning, networking, security and many other things to make the event a success. The success also depends on whether the associations and clubs in Porvoo are interested in rebuilding a similar event to the one that was conceptualized by Sports Services as “Jump in”.

Description of the proposal:
Porvoo wants to be seen as a growing and attractive place for families with children. In the summer, Porvoo could organise a free weekend event for families with children. For example, Friday, co-operation with Kokonniemi, where those who want can try the adventure track and downhill cycling basics. Saturday, a free stunt track or a trampoline park in Kokonhalli, together with partners. Skateboarding lessons for young people in the nearby skate park, and on the adjacent grassy field football basics for different ages (in cooperation with hobby groups). Sunday, guided tours to Linnanmäki and a picnic at the beach.

Reasons for the decision:
Rented seasonal lights to decorate the market and the Christmas Path. It is necessary to take into account the provisions of the National Urban Park Management and Use Plan regarding Runeberg Park.

Description of the proposal:
Last year’s Christmas Path was lovely and atmospheric. You could use money from the budget to make an already existing event even more spectacular. More lights in Runeberg Park and the market square, as well as Christmas trees and other decorations. This would certainly attract both more market traders and customers and liven up the city centre. The event would start from the first Christmas and last until Christmas, and the lights would be on even during the Christmas holidays. There would be plenty of visitors, both Porvoo residents and tourists.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible.

Description of the proposal:
The aim is to build a lean-to shelter on Venjärvi’s beach or in its immediate vicinity, which will provide the village locals and visitors with a place for outdoor activities, relaxation and community, surrounded by nature. The lean-to would serve as a safe and comfortable place for excursions, barbecuing and gatherings throughout the year. The aim is to promote an active lifestyle and increase nature tourism in Ilola. The lean-to shelter supports the vitality of the village, increases recreational opportunities and can serve as a venue for events such as campfire evenings or excursions. It can also be a popular spot for families, groups of friends and nature enthusiasts. The target group is all villagers and visitors who value peace and nature. The lean-to will be a new meeting place that supports the village spirit and sustainable nature tourism.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible, but cannot involve outsiders due to occupational safety issues.

Description of the proposal:
Virvik has two outdoor routes, a shorter and a longer one. The shorter one is in good condition and easy to walk, but the longer one should be fixed. Clear the trail, if necessary, add wood support, marking etc. Porvoo lacks longer forest paths and there is a need for them.

Reasons for the decision:
The proposal meets the criteria. The cost estimate allows for one storage space that can hold six bicycles.

Description of the proposal:
It feels risky leaving my e-bike in the square during workdays, because leaving your valuable bike locked in a public place is quite a risk. I propose that the city acquire locked storages for the market for storing bikes. This encourages cycling and the use of public transport.

Reasons for the decision:
Create a guided route to the city’s historical sites using e.g. QR codes and other digital opportunities.

Description of the proposal:
Create a guided route that showcases Porvoo’s rich history and culture in an accessible and interactive format. The route would connect the Old Town, the church, the riverside and other key sites. Porvoo Cathedral and its history. Old Town Hall and its significance in administration. Riverside and the history of commerce. J.L. Runeberg’s home and role in Finnish culture. The History of the fires in the Old Town and reconstruction.

Reasons for the decision:
Can be implemented on the proposed sites, excluding the ice rink, because of the construction work coming to the area as well as Kokonhalli, because it's not a the city-managed building.

Description of the proposal:
The Kokonniemi sports area, Aurorahalli, and the outdoor swimming pool lacks proper bike racks, and this is why I don’t like going there on my own bike, since it can’t be properly locked from the frame. Proper bike racks would make biking a more efficient form of mobility for everyone, from the smallest bikers to the most avid gym users, without fear of someone just picking up your bike in their Hilux and driving off.

Reasons for the decision:
This can be done as part of the River Carnival.

Description of the proposal:
A gig targeted at young people in connection with the River Carnival. Calls for bids for different artists that young people can vote for, to choose which they want.

Reasons for the decision:
This year we can get a new bigger play set for the park. We don't have time to plan and get exercise equipment.

Description of the proposal:
The playground in Mansikkasuo is in poor condition, there are few playground elements and they are also old. Renovation of the area has been expected for decades. More people have moved to the area with the new residential area. The area is also home to many adults and seniors. It would be good for them to be able to improve their muscular health with outdoor gym equipment. There is room for both renovating the playground and gym equipment in the area. There is a walkway near the area, so it is easy to get to the area. There are a lot of joggers in the area. The refurbishment will improve the ability of the residents to take care of their health and will enable children to enjoy outdoor playtime.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible and combined with four other proposals.

Description of the proposal:
The gym at the swimming hall needs to be outfitted with an air source heat pump, so the space can be cooled down. The gym is too warm for a pleasant exercise experience, both in summer and winter time. All users would have a much better time, and the amount of visitors would increase.

Reasons for the decision:
Outdoor movie nights for the whole family. Towrds the end of summer, when the evenings are darker.

Description of the proposal:
The movie nights in -24 were fun. But the screen was too small, and it was still light out, so it was hard to see. This event was popular! Now, open-air movies on a big screen and at a later time of day. Place, by the riverside in Kokoniemi.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible

Description of the proposal:
I propose that the city procures a Fun 2 Go three-wheeled electric tandem bike, where cyclists sit side by side, for users to rent. This tricycle provides a safe, stable and comfortable riding experience, specially designed for seniors and people with reduced mobility. Designed for people with reduced mobility who cannot cycle alone. The vehicle allows you to participate in cycling and is available for many people to use. Could also be used in schools and other units with people with reduced mobility, as well as for hire for home use. The bike is so expensive that users may not be able to afford it and now that there are no other parties to rent the equipment, I would like the municipality to take over this matter so that all residents can have an equal experience of cycling.

Reasons for the decision:
The city can arrange guided tours and bus rides as an outsourced service, and market this free service in local media and dedicated channels.

Description of the proposal:
Most of us Porvoo resicents don’t know our town. Districts, nature, lean-to shelters, etc. I suggest that the city would organize various excursions for residents of all ages, bus tours with a designated guide.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible within the allocated budget and schedule of participatory budgeting. The location and method of implementation must still be planned.

Description of the proposal:
In August/September, have an evening when part of the city would have its street lights off and people could admire the starry night sky with less light pollution. A good place, for example, would be the sledding hill next to the Linnanmäki. The area is dark. There could be someone from Ursa telling what we see in the sky, or a broadcast on local radio. Of course, you can’t predict the weather exactly, but there could be a few spare days when a cloudless night sky could be expected. I understand they have this type of event in Iceland.

Reasons for the decision:
Is feasible within the allocated budget and schedule of participatory budgeting.

Description of the proposal:
An small playing field with artificial turf for basketball and football on the sand field of Hamarin koulu, to be used during school days by the school's students and by the municipal residents at other times. Children and young people in particular have been wishing for a small field for years.

Reasons for the decision:
Five (5) benches will be installed at: Humla (2), Joonaanmäki (2) and Kevätlaakso (1).

Description of the proposal:
Especially we older people need places where we can rest. Allows us to enjoy nature and fresh air. Current cement benches are cold and offer no back support. For example, Along the walking paths at Humla, Joonaanmäki and Kevätlaakso, for residents in Kevätkumpu. Maybe on the west side, too.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible.

Description of the proposal:
We would like to have a nice new sport, Beach Handball, in Porvoo. We want to make it easy and fun for all Porvoo residents to get familiar with handball in the summer. The field would be on the Kokonniemi Volleyball field, one full size field could fir in the area, so that at the same time there could still be 4 Beach volley fields in use.

Reasons for the decision:
The proposal meets the criteria. The confirmed cost estimate covers 4 benches suitable for park areas between Hornhattula and Katajamäki

Description of the proposal:
It would be nice to have benches along the Hornhattula walkways, for the elderly and for others, to take breaks.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible in three (3) different locations, each several times.

Description of the proposal:
Fitness instructors could have a weekly exercise session at different local exercise spots, from spring to autumn. For example, you almost never see anyone using the equipment at the nearby sports venues of the Huhtinen/Tikantie exercise spots and I think it’s because the average user can’t come up with exercises they can do. It would be genuine local exercise to guide local residents to use the already existing sports facilities, even the small ones. One day in one spot, the next week in another. After all, there are a few of these small exercise spots with some equipment in different neighborhoods around Porvoo.

Reasons for the decision:
An important issue that can be implemented as a project, in which, for example, a university-level trainee maps the accessibility information, draws up a model for presenting and translating the information, and publishes it together with the personnel of different offices to the online service. The objective is to improve access to information and accessibility by providing clear and comprehensive accessibility information. This will promote equality and enable a better service for all residents of the municipality, especially those with reduced mobility, visual and hearing impairments, and older people who have a permanent or temporary need for accessible services.

Description of the proposal:
Adding accessibility information to the websites of different locations within the city of Porvoo. The objective is to improve access to information and accessibility by providing clear and comprehensive accessibility information. This will promote equality and enable a better service for all residents of the municipality, especially those with reduced mobility, visual and hearing impairments, and older people who have a permanent or temporary need for accessible services.

Reasons for the decision:
It's a really good idea. Bringing out the voice and the world of young people in a comprehensive publication, developing and piloting a possible Youth Editorial concept, communication and gaining experience in editorial activities, learning, doing things together. Open media activities for and by young people, which Porvoo lacks. Youth Editorial pilot, where young people get to carry out a series of stories from the world of young people and activities for young people from Porvoo with the help of professionals. Young people are invited to participate through an open call for applications and action groups. The activities will be implemented as part of the multi-channel development of Meidän Porvoo.

Description of the proposal:
Young people would look for good practices and successful events in their own neighbourhood. Someone (Uusimaa editors/the Porvoo communications unit) would advise and check that the text is factual. Would be published in magazines and city pages - pr for Porvoo and examples that some cool things can succeed. Further development of the idea: In autumn 2025, a series of three to five articles/videos or other media will be carried out, which will be done by recruited young people. Articles or videos would be produced, with themes about the world of young people, and they would aim to tell and show, for example, what happens there, what Porvoo looks like through the eyes of young people and what their own hobbies or activities are and what they mean to young people. The City of Porvoo’s communications would take part in the activity as part of the multi-channel development of the magazine Meidän Porvoo. They would offer guidance and help with the practical aspects of writing an article or filming a video. Young people are recruited/invited both through an open call and, for example, through the Youth Council or some of the action groups. Youth services provide support in getting young people involved, communicating to them and in the activities. At the same time, the aim is to pilot the possible concept for a Youth Editorial for Porvoo’s young people.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible

Description of the proposal:
The aim is to get seniors to dance and get to know others in the singles market, for instance over coffee served after the event. Many are lonely, but there are no meeting places nor much resources. The important thing would be to unite people, perhaps for a lifetime, which would ease financial pressures and bring security into old age.

Reasons for the decision:
Basic movable benches, can be placed. Five benches in different parts of Porvoo.

Description of the proposal:
There are a lot of elderly people in poor condition in Gammelbacka and all over Porvoo, so it would be nice if there were more seats along the walkways.

Reasons for the decision:
Possible to build four benches during the year in the desired location.

Description of the proposal:
Taidetehtaankatu/Kokonniementie in Kokonniemi is a popular walking route for people of all ages. Trees have been planted along the street to increase comfort, and I suggest installing a few benches (e.g. 4-5 each). They would allow families with children and the elderly, who cannot walk long distances at once, to use the walking route. The benches would benefit anyone travelling in the area, especially in hot summer weather. Also install a trash can next to every bench.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible

Description of the proposal:
Benches are needed at the field to cater for skaters, pumptrack users and dog owners alike. The benches can be of various sizes and shapes (single, long, curved, swinging, loungers) and thus create a diverse "exhibition" of different chairs or benches.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible Based on the idea, planned to plant 1 - 2 trees in the area. There should be perennials around the trees/base area as well as onion flowers. The city has felled tree trunks that can be utilized in the area. Annual and multiannual grassland areas may be established in the area. Instructions can be made for the daycare centre, for example, on good natural plants, which seeds should be collected, etc.

Description of the proposal:
The idea is to bring nature and the biodiversity of nature closer to the children in kindergartens. The goal is to get small children to exercise and play in nature and to get to know nature in the safe vicinity of the kindergarten. With nature experiences, children develop a natural relationship with nature and a desire to cherish nature. The children's yard area of the daycare centre Helmi is currently limited to a green area with one tree and some grass. The grass is cut by the city a few times each summer. The area is rarely used and only dog owners pass through the area, otherwise the area is empty. Bringing natural elements to the area, like rocks and stumps, and planting trees, shrubs, meadow flowers would increase the area's nature values significantly. In addition to the children, the area could be used by children’s families and elderly residents of the area, who live too far from the Kokoniemi forest or Gammelbacka forest. The children at the daycare centre and residents could contribute to the construction of the area by planting trees and flowers

Reasons for the decision:
Can be implemented through participatory budgeting in autumn 2025. Complements Porvoo’s drug education for schools with its diversity.

Description of the proposal:
Drug education to be organised for all students in Porvoo secondary schools, combined with the lived experience of parents of drug-addicted children. This package complements the preventive substance abuse work already done in Porvoo, bringing a strong wake-up call about, for example, insidious cannabis and the dangers of recreational use, and how parents feel when a child becomes addicted to drugs.

Reasons for the decision:
Discussion sessions such as the one proposed have previously been carried out within the framework of the library's democracy projects. Currently, there is no separate funding for these activities, and permanent staff cannot be hired with the money from participatory budgeting. Four such events are planned for May-December, the facilitation and arrangements of which will be made as an outsourced service 750 € /event.

Description of the proposal:
A meeting with the mayor is coming up at the library. I wish for more such events. For example, it would be interesting to ask questions of the CEO of Event Factory Oy or the Director of Avain-asunnot.

Reasons for the decision:
Implementation feasible within the allocated budget and schedule of participatory budgeting.

Description of the proposal:
It would be good to have a clock face behind the Aurora hall for skiers. Skiers usually get in their laps while the child is attending a hobby, which sets a time limit. The clock on the stadium side would be a great help, and the skiers could decide if they have time for one more lap. In the winter, digging out your watch from under layers of clothing and with ski poles in your hands is pretty hard.

Reasons for the decision:
As a test, will place two pieces of furniture for recycling books on a trial basis in, for example, the City Park and Aleksinpuisto on the west riverside. The books would initially be discarded library books, we encouraged visitors to bring their own to the exchange. Additional information, for example about the BookCrossing community, can be linked to the furniture through a QR code. Maintenance until the end of 2025, after which an extension will be evaluated. In addition, some books can be placed in existing exchange points and on Visit Porvoo brochure stands.

Description of the proposal:
Book exchange points in parks, for instance. You can pick up a book and sit down to read, for example, on a park bench. I've seen these in some foreign cities.

Reasons for the decision:
Is feasible and within the budget for participatory budgeting and within the allotted schedule.

Description of the proposal:
An outdoor gym, similar to the one in Kokon, could be placed by the new daycare centre in Bjurböle. The area has parking for both bikes and cars, and children could play in the daycare centres yard while their parents exercised at the outdoor gym. There is nothing similar in southern Porvoo, and driving to the city centre for exercise feels dumb. It could be used by many of the residents of the nearby villages during evenings, weekends and the summer, when the daycare is closed. I think we who live in southern Porvoo would appreciate if the City also supported our wellbeing.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible

Description of the proposal:
For years, Flamingo Water Park has had a projector that projects fish into the water at the shallow end of the pool and children try to catch them. This will keep children entertained for a long time and at the same time children will learn to move in the water through play.

Reasons for the decision:
A counter is feasible. Toilets cannot be implemented, because of the constant costs associated, which are of the criteria of the participating budget.

Description of the proposal:
The frisbee golf course in Hornhattula has a lot of users in all age groups. It would be great to have a toilet for the players there! It would also be great to have a visitor counter on the track, like the one for the fitness stairs. This would also provide information on the number of users, which is certainly (surprisingly) large.

Reasons for the decision:
A well-reasoned and well-prepared proposal. Is feasible within the allocated budget and schedule of participatory budgeting.

Description of the proposal:
On the basis of various surveys, students at the Pääskytien koulu have wished for more benches and more colour instead of the school’s grey colour scheme. The aim is to improve the students’ school environment by engaging them extensively, starting with art. The plan: students build benches in crafts classes and in visual arts. All visual arts teaching groups are involved in the visual design of the benches. The final visual look of the benches will be carried out with the cooperation of students and teachers and on the basis of a vote by the whole school. In addition, the school plans and implements a large artwork in a student-oriented manner. The visual themes of the artwork are planned together with the students during art classes. The artwork will be carried out on the school premises within art classes. The target group of the idea is the students of the Pääskytien koulu (nearly 600 students).

Reasons for the decision:
Would be arranged from May to the end of the year, an estimated 4 Philosophy Café meetings, organised in the library premises. Costs (premium, travel expenses, catering and other arrangements) approx. 500 €/meeting.

Description of the proposal:
The Philosophy Café could meet once a month. It would bring people together over a cup of coffee, to listen to philosophical presentations and reflect on all manner of questions together.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible within the allocated budget and schedule of participatory budgeting.

Description of the proposal:
Park yoga in the summer, in weekend mornings. Arranged in Kevätkumpu in earlier years, could be there or downtown. There are different kinds of exercise classes during weekdays, but a working person doesn’t have time to attend them.

Reasons for the decision:
The proposal meets the criteria.

Description of the proposal:
The aim is that August Eklöf park would be free of cyclists and scooters speeding at a high speed and causing danger. There is a bike lane located right nearby, but cyclists mostly ride though the park. This causes many dangerous situations for other users at the park. By advising, launching a campaign and with signage, some of the cyclists could be made to move to their intended lane. The campaign and signage could be temporary, for example, and could be evaluated to see if these would be useful.

Reasons for the decision:
1-2 events, carried out in cooperation with Youth and Cultural services.

Description of the proposal:
We've heard from a number of people with intellectual disabilities wishing for a karaoke event. A karaoke event in a safe, accessible environment 2-4 times a year is something many people want. This would bring joy to the target group and allow friends to meet and enjoy music and singing.

Reasons for the decision:
Line-dance is already part of KoMbi's educational offerings. It is a popular course and KoMbi has the opportunity to implement the "Line dance in Porvoo” proposal. The idea is that with short courses you get your first contact with line-dancing, and through this you possibly find a new hobby.

Description of the proposal:
Good exercise for Porvoo residents, to prevent many diseases. Dancing is good for the mind as well as the body. Lots of positive health effects. Porvoo residents stay healthier. This leads to savings on health services.

Reasons for the decision:
KoMbi will add a guided gym course for young people 12-15 yrs in autumn 2025. The course consists of 11 classes in the autumn and is free of charge. Requires pre-registration through the community college website.

Description of the proposal:
KoMbi will add a guided gym course for young people 12-15 yrs in autumn 2025. The course consists of 11 classes in the autumn and is free of charge. Requires pre-registration through the community college website.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible to implement

Description of the proposal:
No one knows about the toilets by the market square. I have told a lot of people about the toilet, as has my friend. Add a sign on the roof with text “wc, toilet”.

Reasons for the decision:
This sum can be used to purchase a good selection of different puzzles and possibly more board games for the library, both for borrowing and to use on site.

Description of the proposal:
Many libraries loan puzzles or have a shelf for exchanging puzzles for once that other visitors have brought with them. I suggest that Porvoo library would start organizing this. Here are some important things to consider before starting this activity. - puzzles with 500 or 1000 pieces are the most popular - high-qualit puzzles that last, e.g. Ravensburger, Falcon, Clementoni, Trefl, SureLox, Schmidt etc. - preferably with detailed and colourful pictures, puzzles with a lot of sky or sea are not particularly popular - some rules should apply, for example if one or two piece are missing, these should be marked on the box, as well as attaching a note on the box. My understanding is that this has been a very popular thing at other libraries.

Reasons for the decision:
Feasible

Description of the proposal:
Currently, the majority of gym users dress and take off their outerwear in the hallway near the door to the gym. You can leave your shoes in the hallway, but everyone brings their outdoor clothes to the gym. It's just practical. Few people go to the dressing room downstairs to get dressed. I think that's the only place one is allowed to go. There are so many clothes that the racks are not nearly enough. A fixed coat rack on the left wall of the entrance hall would allow people to flexibly choose where to place their clothes. It doesn’t bother anyone and makes it easy to store clothes. I'm sure the clothes rack would be used and would be much appreciated by many.

Reasons for the decision:
The proposal is feasible by extending existing services. The social reading club can be organised in cooperation with integration and youth services at Gammelbacka community centre.

Description of the proposal:
My idea is more of a concern and a perceived need. I don't know if this idea search for participatory budgeting is the right place to bring this up, but where else would I put it? The social literacy of the immigrant parents and the level of general knowledge of local objects is concerning. It is worrying how poorly foreigners who have lived in Porvoo even for several years already know, for example, the location of different places, street names, inexpensive places to eat, children’s hobbies, libraries and other basic things about different services in our city. Problems and delays arise when you don’t speak the language sufficiently. Children learn a language at school, but unfortunately parents are left with poor comprehension or even complete lack of language skills. Parents’ social and language skills are also needed for children’s future survival: school assignments, access to hobbies, guidance to studies, etc.