To create a nine-kilometre-long park area on a limestone cliff bordering Lasnamäe, Kesklinn and Pirita, a call for ideas was carried out among Tallinn residents. The results will be presented today, 31 March, from 5 pm to 7 pm, at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Lauluväljaku Klaassaal). The presentation can also be followed online.

Being an important part of the green mobility network included in the Tallinn 2035 development strategy, Klindi Park will be transformed into a coherent and integrated recreational area for all. The Tallinn Strategic Management Office’s Competence Centre for Spatial Planning, together with the district governments of Lasnamäe, Kesklinn and Pirita, is in the process of drawing up a vision for Klindi Park and has carried out a call for ideas for ideas for its development. 

"We received a total of nearly 400 proposals and ideas through various channels. The desire to preserve as much of the natural environment as possible was particularly clear, but suggestions also included the need for viewing platforms, hiking trails and other features that would make Klindi Park an interesting and recreational place for visitors," said Deputy Mayor Vladimir Svet. "The proposals collected will be an important input for the Klindi Park vision and for the drafting of the outline for the design competition, which will start this year. I believe that by drawing inspiration from the ideas of our fellow citizens, we can create an attractive recreational area in the middle of a unique urban landscape, worthy of a Green Capital."

Lasnamäe with 76 respondents and Kesklinn with 24 respondents were the most active. Ideas were also received from outside Tallinn, and Estonian, Russian and English were represented. Most suggestions were made by people in the 25-45 age group – 69 per cent in total.

Analysis of the results showed that similar urban spatial aspects were addressed under the different questions. The main keywords were "nature" and "views", as well as "greenery", "tranquillity", "wildlife" and "home". The vast majority of respondents consider natural areas in the city to be very (84%) or fairly (15%) important, and the majority also like the natural environment very much (93%) or fairly (5%). Suggestions focused on city and sea views, lime kiln ruins and the Wolf's Lair, and Tallinn's lower lighthouse, which could be more exhibited.

Twenty-four objects were mentioned as desirable features of the park, with the most frequently mentioned being benches and rest areas, outdoor lighting and information stands. Viewing platforms, drinking fountains, public toilets, urban gardens and nature trails, playgrounds and sports facilities were also highly represented. Cafés, picnic areas and much more were also mentioned to make the Klindi Park a comfortable and interesting place for visitors. The Loopealne area could be part of the park, according to the citizens, and barbecue areas at the Pirita river pond were also requested.

The call for ideas also identified which places people find unattractive and what are the main obstacles on the clint area trajectory. The main issues highlighted were the dangerous cliff slope and inconvenient connections between different parts of the area, the lack of walkable roads, the car-centric urban space and unsafe crossings, and the proximity of new development and occasional littering.

A summary of the ideas received will be presented at the Lauluväljak by representatives of the Tallinn Strategic Management Office and the Botanical Garden, and the event will be opened and chaired by Deputy Mayor Vladimir Svet. The presentations will be in Estonian, but questions can also be asked in Russian and English. The doors will be open from 16.30.

You can also follow the webcast on the Klindipark website or on Facebook.