Summary

Stadssjön (‘City Lake’) is located in the county of Dalarna. It is a municipal nature reserve consisting of a coastal pasture and leafy swamp forest that was not properly managed until recently. Despite being located close to a city centre, the lake was not accessible as it was overgrown and surrounded by leafy trees and bushes and there were no roads or paths.

The project was set up to increase the accessibility to and within the reserve whether by hiking, cycling, or with a wheelchair. It also created attractions such as the viewing tower and picnic areas.

Results

Even without marketing, there has been an increasing number of local visitors coming to the area. As soon as the restoration is complete and the area starts being advertised, it is estimated that it will attract approximately 5 000 visitors per year. 

The project has also an education and training function. Students from the area’s secondary school did their internships with one of the construction companies that built the tower, the bridge and the footbridge. In addition, schools in the municipality now have the opportunity to organise educational activities in the area. Visitors can experience different types of nature while learning about it.