Article categories: News
Participatory budgeting to fund rowing boats for borrowing
Published: 19.5.2025
Rowing boats available for borrowing have been selected as this year’s participatory budgeting project in Vaasa. Residents were invited to submit their ideas through February and March, and you contributed an impressive 258 ideas. Voting was open until 5 May, and the winning idea received 404 votes – nearly 20 per cent of all votes cast.
Outdoor gym equipment came second with 321 votes, and a 3-on-3 basketball court placed third with 282 votes.
– We received many excellent suggestions, and the vote clearly inspired Vaasa residents to take part. Rowing boats are a great idea that will surely bring joy many people, and we’re pleased to be introducing them across Vaasa. We’d like to thank everyone who submitted a proposal and who cast a vote, says Suvi Aho, Strategy Manager.
The aim of participatory budgeting is to involve residents in developing their living environment and to increase awareness of how public funds can be used. This year, €15,000 was allocated for participatory budgeting.
Previous participatory budgeting projects have included a cherry orchard, a wildflower meadow, a winter swimming spot, and additional benches and bins along the Waterfront Promenade.
Residents want to experience Vaasa from the sea
– Three people suggested rowing boats this year, and they have also been proposed in previous years. The plan is for the city to provide the boats and life jackets, while entrepreneurs in Ukkokari, Onkilahti, and Vähäkyrö will oversee the boat lending during their opening hours. We will provide more information once the details have been finalised, says Aho.
Voters gave the following reasons for voting for rowing boats:
‘Borrowable rowing boats would offer a great recreational opportunity for Vaasa residents who wish to enjoy time on the water.’
‘Vaasa is a seaside town, but not everyone has the chance to enjoy boating in the summer.’
‘What a great idea! You don’t need to own a boat to get out on the water.’
‘People with lower incomes who don’t own a boat could reach better fishing spots and experience Vaasa from the sea.’
‘It would be nice to borrow a boat and go fishing and rowing with friends.’
‘Vaasa is a seaside town, and its archipelago offers stunning natural experiences. However, not everyone has a boat or the opportunity to enjoy them. Borrowable boats would make the wonders of the archipelago accessible to many residents.’
‘Boating is an important part of coastal culture, but not everyone has access to it. Rowing is also great exercise.’
‘I’d love to go rowing with my family, especially since we don’t own a boat! :)’
‘A rowing boat would definitely be a hit on a summer evening.’
‘The boats would also delight tourists.’
‘Rowing boats, in all their simplicity, are a brilliant idea!’
Information about the arrival of rowing boats for borrowing will be shared on the city’s website and social media channels in early summer.
The next participatory budgeting project will be selected in early 2026.