Rusthollari Playground

What is Helsinki's best playground? Where can you find a play park suitable for older children? Or a playground near the city center? Helsinki has over 200 playgrounds and more than 60 play parks. But do you know where to find one of Helsinki's newest playgrounds?

Rusthollari Play Park in Puotila opened after renovation in August 2024. Located in the middle of a residential area, just a short distance from Puotila metro station, the play park received a new play building through the renovation and the extensive outdoor area of the play park was updated.
However, it seems that a small fenced play area on the other side of the yard was left out of the renovation.

*Wooden sheep and horses delight visitors along the edge of the park.*

Rusthollari Play Park was renovated while respecting the old yard plan. Some of the play equipment is old and restored, some is new. The yard features products from several play equipment suppliers. The yard's theme is animals, which can be found in wooden versions: there are sheep, horses, and birds.

*The striped hills and lines in the center of the yard dominate the overall appearance of Rusthollari Play Park's outdoor area.*

The most unusual and attention-grabbing piece of play equipment in the yard is a peculiar combination of a climbing frame and slide that probably doesn't serve either purpose particularly well. The choice is odd, as the space could have accommodated something much better suited to a broader user base.

*Rusthollari Play Park's yard includes, among other things, a unique slide clearly designed for older children.*

The toddler area is completely fenced, unlike the rest of the play park located in the center of the yard. Toddlers have their own ladybug slide, a large sandbox with a digger, a small playhouse (locked during the test visit, so it can be assumed the playhouse is available during the play park's opening hours), swings, and a couple of different rockers.

*The cutest spot in the play park is a small blue playhouse next to a beautiful tree.*

*On Rusthollari's toddler side, the scale is just right: cute ladybug slides are rarely seen in other play parks anymore.*

*At Rusthollari Play Park, toddlers also have their own sandbox and swings.*

The old wading pool disappeared from Rusthollari Play Park with the renovation, but in the center of the yard, next to the colorful hills, a small water play area was created with fountains rising from the ground.
Regarding the plantings in the play park, it was delightful to notice that traditional shrubs had been replaced with berry bushes.

*Berry bushes delighted us at the renovated Rusthollari Play Park.*

*The yard has designated parking spaces for vehicles used during the play park's opening hours.*

*In another corner of Rusthollari Play Park, you'll find equipment suitable for climbing and fitness.*

Overall, Rusthollari Play Park is a very traditional play park after the renovation. It's a good and properly functioning destination for local residents and visitors passing through the area, but the Rusthollari yard didn't offer any particular special attractions on this August evening. The animal sculptures and playhouse are elements that may particularly appeal to younger players, as is the location near the metro station, which is Rusthollari's advantage.