Lappeenranta Plans Year-Round Use for Hiekkalinna Area

The city of Lappeenranta has announced plans to redevelop the Hiekkalinna area to support year-round public use, including potential Christmas-time events and a winter harbor. According to a statement released on Friday, the municipality aims to transform the current summer-focused space into a versatile green zone over the next three years. The redevelopment will focus on two main themes: Rakuna Eskadron and Linnoitus. These concepts will guide the design and functionality of the renewed area. The city noted that the first phase of redevelopment is scheduled to be completed by summer 2026. Planning for this development officially began in autumn 2025. He stated, "Developing the Hiekkalinna and harbor area is important, and the current plans would enable local families in Lappeenranta to use this space throughout the entire year, not just during summer months." The project reflects ongoing municipal efforts to expand accessible public spaces beyond seasonal limitations. The goal is to create a multifunctional green area that serves residents and visitors in all seasons, with specific attention to enabling winter activities such as holiday events and a temporary winter harbor setup. This shift from a primarily summer-oriented venue to a year-round destination marks a change in how the city intends to use the Hiekkalinna location.