Ad appeals to Päivi Korpivaara to withdraw complaint over Hippos sports center in Jyväskylä

A recent private advertisement that took up the entire front page of a local newspaper in Central Finland has garnered significant attention. The ad appeals to Päivi Korpivaara, a former Green Party councilor in Jyväskylä, urging her to withdraw her complaint regarding the construction of the Hippos sports center lodged with the Hämeenlinna Administrative Court. Korpivaara has since left the Green Party.

This ambitious project, estimated at €211 million, faces potential delays due to the pending legal action. The cost for the front-page ad was reported to be slightly over €11,600. In response to inquiries, the media’s sales director acknowledged that it is quite rare for individuals to purchase a full page in this way, stating, “I cannot recall a similar instance.” The final decision on whether to publish an advertisement rests with the editor-in-chief, who is responsible for all content, including ads.

The Hippos initiative aims to replace outdated sports facilities in Jyväskylä, with plans to begin construction this year and finish by 2027. It includes a multipurpose sports center, ice sports facilities, and a skills center, which will be financed through a 20-year leasing agreement. Previous complaints filed with the Hämeenlinna court concerning this project were rejected.

Korpivaara, who recently filed her complaint about the leasing agreement, has indicated she may withdraw it under certain conditions. The local ice hockey team, JYP, is a key stakeholder in the project, and its chairman has reported a threat against him related to the situation.

Media experts have discussed the implications of this unusual advertisement, highlighting the delicate balance between advertising and free speech. Korpivaara herself declined to comment on the ad but clarified that she has no intention of retracting her complaint.