Boden’s newest playground is now open in Harads

Boden Municipality works according to a playground development plan based on the condition of existing playgrounds, the number of children in each area, and other factors. When it was Harads’ turn, the process was also preceded by a public proposal requesting a play and meeting area that encourages movement and activity in the village. The Parks Unit chose to take a comprehensive approach and build an entirely new neighbourhood playground.

“Harads is a long and narrow village. To ensure as many residents as possible have a public playground within a reasonable distance from their home, we placed the new playground as centrally as possible,” says Ulrika Boman, Head of the Parks Unit in Boden Municipality.

A unique playground

The Harads playground has been adapted to the natural terrain and serves as a flagship and model for future neighbourhood playgrounds in the municipality. At the upper section near Radhusvägen, there is an accessible play area designed mainly for younger children. This area connects via a play-friendly slope to a climbing structure for older children. Along a walking path, you find a playhouse, climbing cubes, and a storytelling area hidden among the trees.

The site also functions as a “don’t-touch-the-ground” play route. In the slope facing Edeforsvägen, there is a barbecue area, and the park ends with an outdoor fitness station where teenagers and adults can exercise together, regardless of fitness level.

Many contributors

The Parks Unit manager personally visited the pupils in Harads and invited them to draw their ideas of “A fun place to play.” Their wishes were then incorporated into the design.

“We grouped the wishes — for example, how many wanted a bird’s nest swing, a slide, a merry-go-round, and so on. The most requested features were included. Maybe not exactly as drawn, but I hope they can recognise their ideas and that there is something for everyone,” says Ulrika.

The local Service Point organised a naming competition, the local PRO workshop built a notice board to be placed next to the playground, and the village association contributed with foundations for the board. Students from Björknäsgymnasiet’s Vehicle and Transport Programme also took part in the work.

Well received

“This turned out better than I expected,” says Caroline Enberg, mother of three and the person who submitted the public proposal for a new playground in Harads. She is also a preschool teacher at Kids Corner in Harads.

“We have 40 children at the preschool, and we will be able to make excursions here. It’s also close to the senior apartments. I think a place like this encourages people to stop by — it may benefit local businesses and become a natural meeting place, especially for newcomers to meet others. It also makes Harads more attractive for families with children,” says Caroline, while children — and more and more of their friends — test the new playground.

This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection.