Sara Lappalainen criticizes the plans for a multi-purpose hall in Porvoo, Finland, arguing that the cost estimates have skyrocketed and that professionals were not consulted in the planning process.
Sara Lappalainen, a former middle-distance runner, has expressed her shock regarding the plans for a multi-purpose hall in Kokonniemi, Porvoo, which is projected to cost over 70 million euros. Initially estimated at 58 million, the costs have risen significantly due to revised plans. Lappalainen argues that this escalation in expenses highlights a lack of proper planning and oversight in the project.
In her opinion piece published in Uusimaa, Lappalainen criticizes how the construction plans have been developed without input from relevant experts, emphasizing that the proposed design even lacks adequate facilities for track runners—specifically, a 250-meter running track that she deems insufficient. She argues that decisions surrounding sports infrastructure should not be made in isolation and that the input from federations or sports clubs is vital for developing appropriate facilities.
Furthermore, she cites a statement from the Finnish Athletics Federation advising against building indoor tracks that do not meet certain length criteria, thereby supporting her concerns about the proposed infrastructure. Lappalainen’s strong sentiments reflect broader issues of financial oversight and the need for community and expert engagement in the development of local sports facilities, making her outcry particularly relevant as the project moves forward in planning phases.
