The City of Hämeenlinna is well-known at national and international levels about its luxuriant and biological diversity, which offers various ecosystem services. In the politician visions of the future, main topics are to connect culture, physical exercise and experiences.

The thesis was commissioned by the unit of children, youth and quality of life, which deals with sport and cultural services in the City of Hämeenlinna. The aim of the thesis was to benefit research material about sustainable development at sport areas in the City of Hämeenlinna.

The main focus of the research was in outdoor sport avenues which are valuable culturally and historically, like the recreation area of Ahvenisto. The objective of thesis was to find out both residents’ and policy-makers’ options about sport areas in the City of Hämeenlinna. Sustainable development of those areas was also researched, especially social and cultural perspectives.

In the theory applied in the thesis perspectives of sustainable development and Finnish attitudes towards the nature and living environment were figured. Concerning sport areas of Hämeenlinna the history of the city as well as its nature were studied. The recreation area of Ahvenisto was also introduced. The survey of the thesis was conducted by means of electronic enquiries for residents and policy-makers.

Residents in the City of Hämeenlinna appreciate peace and environmental well-being care opportunities in their living environments. As for the environment, being close to the nature is hoped. Factors affecting a good living environment are also relationships, the employment situation and health. The ecological field of sustainable development is emphasized from residents’ responses, whereas social and economic factors are more valuable for policy-makers. Based on the survey, it can be said that in the City of Hämeenlinna sport areas should be developed concerning natural and cultural restrictions.