Huutoniemi, Asevelikylä, Purola, Teeriniemi, Melaniemi are located near Vaasa city centre. What unites the areas is greenery, peaceful living and good opportunities for outdoor recreation and services. Each district has its own history and a strong local identity.
Huutoniemi
Huutoniemi (Roparnäs) is one of Vaasa’s oldest detached-house areas. According to legends, the area got its name because the inhabitants called out to the ferryman to get a ride from the opposite shore. The distance to the centre is about three kilometres.
In the basement of the school Huutoniemen koulu there is the meeting place Huudi, located in the former library premises. Huudi offers library and youth service activities for Roparnäs residents of all ages. In addition, there is a skate hall in Huutoniemi that is open to everyone. It is free of charge and open on weekdays.
The stately concrete church in Roparnäs was completed in 1964 and was designed by architect Aarno Ruusuvuori. The area also includes the protected residential area Aaltoparken.
Asevesikylä
Asevelikylä (Vapenbrödrabyn) began after the Second World War, when a place was sought for men returning from the front where they could build their own homes. The construction of the area was coordinated by the association Vasas byggare, which was founded at a meeting in Vaasa Town Hall under the leadership of Akseli Rodén to help those returning from the front.
Later the association changed its name in 1951 to Jukolas byggare rf, because the street names in Asevelikylä, apart from Slingervägen, are taken from Aleksis Kivi’s work Seven Brothers (1870). The association focused on helping and advising residents who moved to the area. The last houses were completed in 1956.
Thanks to active resident participation, Asevelikylä was chosen District of the Year in a nationwide competition in 2012.
Purola
Purola (Melmo) is a quiet and safe residential area that is especially suitable for families with children. The streets are mostly short and dead-ended, which reduces through traffic.
A distinctive feature of the Purola area is the nature in the Mustikkamaa forest area, where there are plants and habitat types of many kinds. The area also has an old royal road, as well as a nature/jogging trail, where in winter there are cross-country ski tracks. The many forest paths in Purola attract joggers and mountain bikers and offer refreshing outdoor opportunities.
In Purola there are several playgrounds, a ball field and, in winter, opportunities for ice skating. The area has its own shop, and services in Huutoniemi are close by. There is also a golf course in Kråklund.
The Purola Association operates in Purola, working for residents’ interests and organising events.
Teeriniemi
Teeriniemi (Bobäck) delights with its lush greenery and parks. In the idyllic detached-house area the old and the new have blended well, and residents praise the village-like atmosphere and sense of community. The Teeriniemi residents’ association organises events in the playground and in Paukkula park. In Teeriniemi a safe and calm atmosphere is combined with a central location.
Teeriniemi is one of Vaasa’s oldest detached-house areas, but in recent years newer housing has also been built. The area’s local plan dates from 1942 and Teeriniemi was annexed to Vaasa in 1935. From Teeriniemi to the centre is about 3 kilometres and there are good opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Melaniemi
Melaniemi (Orrnäs) is a residential area established in the late 1970s, featuring detached houses, terraced houses and apartment buildings. The distance to the centre from Melaniemi is about 4 kilometres.
An interesting detail in Melaniemi is the sports hall built in an air-raid shelter. Melaniemi is close to good outdoor recreation opportunities, such as Ämmänmäki (Kärringbacken).