Finnish defence forces close popular seaside park in Kotka without prior notice

Finnish Defence Forces unexpectedly closed Katariinan Meripuisto, a popular public park in Kotka, for military exercises, catching both city workers and officials off guard, Yle reports.

Park maintenance staff arrived Monday morning to find the award-winning seaside park fenced off and inaccessible. The closure disrupted scheduled spring maintenance work, according to city gardener Kairi Meos, who said crews had to reorganise their tasks.

Kotka’s city manager Esa Sirviö confirmed the closure came as a surprise, though the Defence Forces had previously notified the city of potential training areas. “We weren’t informed of the timing,” Sirviö said. He added that the city has no right to details of military exercises, which are planned at the Defence Forces’ discretion.

The park, a key green space for residents and school groups, will remain closed until Wednesday as part of the Narrow Waters 26-1 naval exercise. Lieutenant Veikko Keski-Rauska, lead instructor for the anti-aircraft artillery battery, cited safety concerns over live-fire drills requiring buffer zones for noise protection.

Keski-Rauska said the area was chosen for its ease of isolation and suitability for the exercise. The Defence Forces will inspect the park with city representatives before returning it on Wednesday to ensure no damage occurred.

Meanwhile, a class from Langinkoski School observed the drills as part of an organised visit. Special education teacher Pipsa Aho said the students—who saw artillery fire, helicopters, and fighter jets—had been briefed in advance. “These kinds of school days could happen more often,” said ninth-grader Oghogho Aimufua.

Other city-owned sites, including the old hospital on Kotkansaari, have also been used for the exercises.