Espoo | Oittaan recreational trail turned into asphalt for 200,000 euros, project receives praise and criticism

Espoo has quietly paved a significant portion of the Oittaa recreational trail this spring and early summer, creating a 3-kilometer route specifically for roller skiers and skaters. This follows an initial 1-kilometer paving in 2020, with the track extended once since. The decision to asphalt the entire trail has been met with divided opinions. Roller skiers are enthusiastic, but the area serves various users. Martti Merra, Espoo's director of sports and recreation, stated the goal has been to develop the area for year-round sports. He noted the paving cost around 200,000 euros, which he considers a reasonable investment given its longevity. Merra calculated the cost per user to be mere cents, significantly less than a swimming pool visit. Roller skier Teemu Lämsä lauded the city's decision, calling it a good investment and praising the trail as safe, popular, and beautiful. He highlighted the lack of similar facilities in the capital region, forcing others to use roads for roller skiing. However, the paving has surprised many Oittaa visitors. Toni Rauno, who frequents the area's popular disc golf course, expressed mixed feelings. He questioned whether paving over a natural space aligns with Espoo's values and suggested the funds could have been used more wisely. Merra acknowledged that while walking is still permitted, he advised caution for walkers and faster skiers, especially on descents. Vantaa's Hakunila sports park also recently completed a 1-kilometer roller ski track where walking is prohibited for safety reasons.

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When it's done once, it's there. If we think the surface might be renewed sometime, which will only happen in about 10–15 years. It will be used for quite a long time before that.