Kaisaniemi Park faces safety concerns amid renovations in Helsinki

Kaisaniemi Park is the oldest park in downtown Helsinki, surrounded by notable landmarks such as Rautatientori, the National Theatre, and the Botanical Garden. However, it has become a hotspot for illicit activities, including drug dealing. The park is currently undergoing renovations, with sandy pathways fenced off and streetlights not operational from the daycare center in Kruununhaka to the National Theatre, making it pitch dark after eight in the evening.

Witnesses report that the park is crawling with people, from food delivery workers and intoxicated individuals to cyclists and suspected tourists. Some claim that openly visible drug trade occurs throughout the day and night. A local resident, Mika, who traverses the park several times a day, expressed concern about the decline in its condition over the years. He noted that the ongoing renovations have exacerbated the situation, with drug users and needles becoming commonplace, posing risks for young children from nearby schools.

The Helsinki police have been monitoring the park for years, attributing the issues to its location, deteriorating state, and lack of lighting. In response to the ongoing challenges, the city has allocated approximately 18 million euros for renovations that aim to improve safety and attract more visitors to the area. New lighting is set to enhance the park, with the first phase expected to be completed by next summer.

Despite the ongoing issues, some residents, including Vappu Rossi and Pete Veijolainen, reported they have not personally encountered threats but acknowledged a negative perception of the park’s safety.