Solvalla Community Centre

Several new initiatives for nature, culture and exercise contribute to improved public health.

The aim was to develop the activities at the Solvalla community center near the urban area. The aim was to make the place more attractive, adapted and inviting for more target groups. The project would help to expand the range of cultural and nature activities as well as physical activity for people of all ages. The goal was to be able to be an active part of the national public health work and to facilitate physical meetings between different generations and cultures.

The outdoor environment was gradually improved during the project and with the help of association members and local craftsmen, a find-your-way path, balance track, information panel about the right of way, outdoor stage with terrace, barbecue area with seating and an outdoor toilet adapted for the disabled were completed.

All investments and construction took place in consultation between the association's board, the Villervalla preschool, the Sjöbo Civil Defense Association, the Sjöbo Outdoor Promotion Association and the Sjöbo municipality's public health strategist. The project group continuously sent out information about the park's completion and activities - to the above organizations but also to the social psychiatry department in Sjöbo and the local press, which kept the public informed through a series of articles. Finally, an opening was arranged with coffee and musical entertainment.

The project strengthened Solvalla Bygdegård's role as a meeting place, cultural arena and public health inspirer. The park was able to start being open to everyone, year-round, and the stage has enabled music and culture outdoors. Residents in the area were given increased opportunities to improve their health, regardless of age, background, economy and functional variation. Physical meetings between generations and cultures increased. Since the pandemic led to an increased need for outdoor meeting places, Solvalla received a little extra boost. The project also contributed to more activities in the park and to increasing visitors' knowledge about nature and the right of access.

Even before the project, Solvalla had been awarded a prize as one of Sweden's most accessible community centers. After the project, the outdoor environments also became accessible and Solvalla continued to inspire other community centers in Sweden.

LAG board's justification for car accident

The project can lead to a cross-border meeting place and, through guided tours and knowledge dissemination, aims to create a consensus among those who live in the environment to take care of it in the best possible way. An outdoor stage with opportunities for various cultural events can attract more target groups to the meeting place.