Nanoksi would like to extend its gratitude to Särkänniemi and TAYS (Tampere University Hospital) for the opportunity to be part of this extremely important project. For Nanoksi it is both an honor and an important part of our responsibility work. The purpose of the park is to bring joy – and to bring family members of in-patient children and youngsters together in a situation where they are not able to go outside of the hospital.
The original article (in Finnish) was published on 24 May 2022 on the hospital’s website: here.
The world’s first hospital amusement park opened its doors in TAYS 24 May 2022. The ensemble is planned and designed by Särkänniemi, and built by partners to bring free-of-charge joy to young in-patients staying in the hospital.
The Hospital Amusement Park is open daily 12 – 18, and there is always a member of Tampereen Lastenklinikan Tuki ry (supporting association for children’s clinic of Tampere) present at the park.
Särkänniemi and TAYS (Tampere University Hospital) open world’s first hospital amusement park, Hospital Amusement Park, adjacent the hospital building. The inauguration was on Tuesday 24 May 2022 and the park is open for public starting Wednesday 25 May 2022. The purpose of the park is to bring joy, and to bring family members of in-patient children and youngsters together in a situation where they are not able to go outside of the hospital.
CEO of Särkänniemi, Miikka Seppälä, is thrilled that they were finally able to open the park.
“We started the ‘Joy can be found everywhere’ project already in 2017 but there are many issues, covid-19 not being the least, that have postponed the grand opening of the Hospital Amusement Park. Finally, we are able to open a unique amusement park and we are very proud of this. The Hospital Amusement Park is the most remarkable social responsibility project of Särkänniemi. We have invested in this – not only money but also our hearts”, says Seppälä.
Having fun without restrictions
The Hospital Amusement Park is the place for adventure, gaming and playing – and it’s possible to have patient birthday parties, too. Children’s culture in its many forms has been implemented as well. The amusement park acts as a base for the hospital’s performers, such as the hospital clowns, who are celebrating their 20th jubilee at the time of the grand opening. Children between 3 and 10 years are the amusement park’s main target group. The area is designed for young patients, their families and children who are visiting the hospital.
“We have developed the Hospital Amusement Park into a ‘thing’ where a child’s age or physical abilities will not limit having fun. Activities are based on adventurous and surprise-full self-doing. Top professionals from Lappset Creative are responsible for carrying out the project”, says Ville Aarresuo, Director of Development at Särkänniemi.
For many children, visiting a hospital might even be a frightening experience but an amusement park in a hospital might make the visit a bit more fun.
“This is one way to improve how the little patients and their families feel here. And this might even dispel some of the anxiety”, says Arto Ranta, Development Director at TAYS.
Made possible with partners
‘Joy can be found everywhere’ project was made possible with the partners. In addition to Särkänniemi and TAYS, the founding partners include Ingman, OLVI Foundation, Lappset Creative and Tampereen Lastenklinikan Tuki ry. The latter is in charge of operating the amusement park.
“Operating the Hospital Amusement Park fits well in our business concept. Since 2018 we have been organizing fun things to do for the in-patients and their families, to balance the hospital days. And we are thrilled about this”, says Executive Director Susanna Lohiniemi from Tampereen Lastenklinikan Tuki ry.
OLVI Foundation granted 200 000 euros to Tampereen Sairaalahuvipuiston tuki ry (supporting association for the amusement park) to support the founding of the amusement park. OLVI Foundation’s aim is to provide happy things and happiness to a child – equally and safely regardless of the illness.
“Joy can be found everywhere, this way also in the hearts of sick children”, says Mervi Toivainen, OLVI Foundation proxy.
Also Ingman, ice cream/dairy company, supports the amusement park with 200 000 euros.
“Out of our hearts it is important to do something good that lasts longer than an ice cream. We want to create memorable happy moments for families, as well as a small get-away from the otherwise structured life around an illness”, says Lotta Blomster, Ingman’s Marketing Manager.
Cultural Fund of Pirkanmaa, Kiwa Inspecta, Nanoksi, Vincit and Pirte have also supported the Hospital Amusement Park.
