Project Description
In recent years Umeå Municipality has made large investments aimed at turning the city towards the river, including the restoration and development of several parks close to the water.
The municipality is taking part in the 2018 campaign Buzzing parks and gardens run by the Swedish Society of Public Parks and Gardens, in collaboration with Swedish Bees, with the aim of help bees and spreading awareness.
A brochure is published annually by the municipality for anyone who wishes to experience the city in full bloom. The brochure can be viewed here (Swedish).
Broparken
Broparken is located by two bridges along the river’s edge in downtown Umeå. The park angles down towards the river, where there is a flat amphitheatre-like area for small events and activities.
Årstidernas Park, (The Seasons Park)
Årstidernas Park, (The Seasons Park), grew out of new efforts between the bridges originally called Lugn och Ro (Peace and Quiet). The goal was to create a park for everyone seeking a moment to breathe, a lush oasis on the bank of the Ume River, a permissive place with flowers, play and preferably a café, in contrast with the more typically designed neighbouring Rådhusparken.
Djupbäcksterassen – views of the river and park
Granite walls along the brook and hillside up towards Hoppets Gränd have shaped this park. The terraces are planted with small trees, bushes and perennials.
Strandpromenaden, the river walk
Strandpromenaden, the river walk, is a long and narrow stretch of green space between the river and the city. The walk is situated along the river’s northern bank and in the 1950s, people began emphasizing in earnest the importance of preserving the river’s beautiful banks and making them accessible to city residents. It was considered particularly urgent to protect the riverbank upstream, from the old bridge, an area intended to create joy for the city’s residents.
Moss Garden
The moss garden (Mossträdgården) was created in conjunction with the Bloom 2014 flower festival. Led by Japanese moss garden master Taka Yuhi, park workers from Umeå Municipality and 10 Japanese garden designers built
Cherry Valley (Körsbärsdalen)
Thematically, Cherry Valley (Körsbärsdalen) was based on the idea to create a park filled with fruit and blossoming trees, bushes, perennials and bulbs. Different varieties of cherry, bird cherry, apple trees, ornamental malus,
Skate and parkour parks
Speed and precision are in full display at Umeå’s skate and parkour parks. If you’re looking for exciting action right in the city centre, look no further than the skate and parkour parks located side-by-side between the bridges in the centre. Here you can try out the basics for the first time, or do a hard-core session as an experienced practicer.
Skeppsbron
Skeppsbron, below Tullkammaren and the cultural centre Väven, is yet another locale where residents can enjoy attractive views of the river. Visitors are attracted to Skeppsbron all year round due to its proximity to shopping areas. Restaurant boats can be found by the docks.
Öbacka strandpark
The park’s design is by landscape architect Eva Henriksson of WSP Group and is an extension of the riverside footpath and the park below Östra Station, Djupbäcksterrassen.
Varvsparken
This outdoor gym lies in the park by Varvsgatan along riverside footpath. It has a three-in-one gym machine where you can exercise your whole body. The outdoor gym has a fine view over the city and is located close to a boule park.
Arboretum Norr
Arboretum Norr is a forest garden where plants and trees from areas with the same provenience all over the world have been planted since 1981. The Arboretum covers 15 hectares of land and includes more than 1400 exotic woody plants of roughly 250 different species or varieties. Information boards are located throughout the area providing comprehensive information about the different species.