In Helsinki, the capital of Finland—the world’s happiest country for seven years in a row—one of the secrets to joy is well-being, co-created through service design, placemaking, and resident participation. For locals and visitors alike, this means access to free community spaces such as inclusive outdoor Omnigyms that are always open.
“Helsinki aims to be a functional and equal city, a pioneer in sustainable growth, with equal opportunities for residents to participate in creating the city they want to see. Further opening up the city’s green and blue spaces—such as its more than 130 kilometres of shoreline—and expanding its network of outdoor gyms are great examples of this,” says Anni Sinnemäki, Helsinki’s Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment.
The Omastadi initiative is one of the ways people are actively engaged in the city’s decision-making process. Omastadi (“own capital city”) allows residents to participate in allocating public funds—8.8 million euros in 2024—for specific purposes. Many of the approved 2024 proposals currently being implemented reflect local values of increasing access to nature and well-being, improving outdoor activity spaces, and fostering community.
The City of Inclusive Outdoor Gyms
A prime example of this vision is the cooperation between Helsinki and Omnigym to create a network of more than 50 free, always-open outdoor gyms throughout the city. Due to the overwhelming popularity and success of Helsinki’s outdoor Omnigyms—additional neighbourhood gyms were requested by residents through the Omastadi initiative—the city is set to double the number of outdoor gyms by 2032.
The easy-to-use gyms feature adjustable weights that cater to all fitness levels and abilities. Strategically located near green and blue spaces throughout the city, they are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, promoting physical activity and climate-friendly transportation.
The goal is to ensure that outdoor Omnigyms are accessible within a 15-minute bike ride and, eventually, within walking distance for all residents. The initiative has been allocated a budget of approximately one million euros. In terms of return on investment, the cost per user over a lifetime averages out to less than 0.10€.
Outdoor gym has brought life by the seashore at Kaisaniemi. Photo: OmniGym
Smart City Planning
Service design and placemaking are two sustainable, collaborative approaches to designing public spaces that promote community well-being and engagement.
“Design has accelerated the development of Helsinki into an open, collaborative and meaningful place for all,” says Helsinki’s Chief Design Officer, Hanna Harris, who leads the city’s design initiatives. Recent years have included developing a placemaking model for Helsinki by co-creating experiments in a number of public squares and parks especially in suburban regeneration areas with a special focus on working with children and young people. “Placemaking transforms parks, streets, and squares into people-centred spaces that reflect local character and needs. It also enhances social, cultural, and economic value by making places safer, more inclusive, functional, and meaningful to the people who live, work, and play there,” Harris adds.
Whether revitalising neighbourhoods or enhancing areas near commuting routes, creating inclusive spaces—such as outdoor gyms—that are welcoming and take everyone’s needs into account is key.
Helsinki’s Omnigyms enhance urban spaces and offer an appealing opportunity for anyone to exercise in the fresh air at any time—contributing to overall happiness.
