Attracting a multitude of skiers, joggers and sledgers every day, the greenways offer many options for a healthy lifestyle. In line with the local government's overall aim of improving the quality of life of inhabitants, in particular for people with special needs and ‘at risk’ social groups, a wide range of activities is now at hand.
Local children in action at the Keila greenways race course
From ruins to riches
The €820 000 grant from Norway has helped to pave 3.5 km of track in the pine grove, facilitating access for wheel-chair users, roller-skaters, roller-skiers and young families. New lighting along the tracks has significantly prolonged the hours of active traffic at the tracks in the dark winter and autumn months.
Olympic gold medallist and World Champion Mr. Andrus Veerpalu
Ski tracks, football fields, BMX biking tracks and a disc golf course are now enjoyed by both young and old, local residents and people from nearby capital Tallinn. Construction of a football pitch, as well as playgrounds for smaller children, have proved particularly popular with the almost 1000 pupils from the brand new Keila school as well as those living in the SOS Children’s Village close by.
Lise Kleven Grevstad, Norwegian ambassador to Estonia, visited Keila Greenways in January this year. The ambassador was met by the Mayor of Keila, Mr. Tanel Mõistus, who talked about the positive effect the revamped site has already had on the local community.
There are still many ideas for further development of the area, including plans for a ski biathlon track and tennis courts, but in the meantime municipal leaders and residents alike are very satisfied with the results achieved with the help of the Norway Grants.
All photos: Valdur Vacht/Keila Town Administration