Jora Vision, a leading design and production company, has delivered the first new themed zone for Finland’s Särkänniemi theme park. This themed land, called Kärsänniemi, houses Pouta Possu (Pouta Pig), the park’s much-loved mascot. It is the first step in the multi-year realisation of the park’s new masterplan, developed by Jora Vision and Särkänniemi in 2022.
Pouta Pig has long served as the emblem of Finland’s Särkänniemi park, and Pouta’s little piggy train has taken countless Finnish kids on their very first ride, yet the playful mascot lacked a permanent residence in the park. With the launch of Piggy Town, Pouta Pig now has an entire themed area.
New home for Pouta Pig
Kajo Rabbit, Myrsky Mole, Leimu Bat, and Lauha Lamb make up Pouta’s merry band of pals, and they all moved into Kärsänniemi, Pouta’s colourful new home base in Särkänniemi in May this year. Even though the most un-Finnish person gets the wordplay, don’t be confused if you are visiting Pouta. Särkänniemi is the park, Kärsänniemi is where you’ll find the friendly pig.
The former Angry Birds Land has been re-themed to create Pouta’s town. It is home to favourite rides such as the Oldtimer Ride, Red Baron, Jump Around, Rocking Tug, Tivoli Coaster, Magic Bikes, Drop Tower, and of course Pouta’s illustrious train. The characteristic Oldtimer Ride is rethemed as a postal delivery ride and is the key ride in the area.
The masterplan: from amusement park to theme park
In 2022, Särkänniemi contacted Jora Vision for help in creating a new masterplan. This was a great fit because Jora Vision has extensive experience in both retheming and masterplanning. The second theme park in Finland has been open since 1973 and sought to transform from a popular amusement park into a true theme park.
An innovative approach to theming resulted from the collaboration of Jora Vision’s creative minds with the special history of the municipality-owned park. A full redesign of the park was developed with the goal of highlighting the fact that it is the world’s centre of joy. This masterplan, which is packed with unique themes and storylines, will serve as a roadmap for the major theming that will take place.
The opening of Piggy Town is the first step and the collaboration between Jora Vision and Särkänniemi has much more in store with upcoming new themed zones and future rides and experiences.
Robin van der Want, project development director at Jora Vision says: “This collaboration builds on both Jora Vision’s strengths and the one-of-a-kind vision of Särkänniemi. It’s a creative pleasure to use our experience to lend a hand in Särkänniemi’s evolution. We are certain that our partnership will result in many new experiences for guests to enjoy.”
Jora Vision worked on the Quake Lisbon Earthquake Center, which was recognised with a Thea award last year in the category “Outstanding Achievement – Historical Experience, Limited Budget” by The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).
