Lappset delivered Finland’s first motor skills park to the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja
Finland’s first motor skills park has been opened at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja. It enables versatile training to develop motor skills and is suitable for both recreational users and elite athletes. The area, which includes Sisu Fitness Stairs and a wide range of outdoor exercise equipment, was inaugurated on March 25, 2025, in connection with the International Motor Skills Acquisition Conference. More than just a training facility, the park demonstrates how thoughtfully designed outdoor environments can encourage movement, learning, and social interaction across all age groups.
Kisakallio motor skills park is the first of its kind in Finland
The design of the motor skills park is based on modern motor learning theory, which emphasises the importance of the learning environment. The needs of people of different ages and skill levels have been carefully considered, enabling the development of overall movement ability. By combining horizontal and vertical training elements, the park introduces new ways to move within a single space. The inclusion of Sisu Fitness Stairs adds a vertical training dimension that is often missing in flat environments, helping users develop strength, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness in a natural and intuitive way. In addition to sports institute users, the training area is open to everyone, supporting accessible and inclusive use.
“The skills park enables versatile training that improves and develops the ability to adapt to different situations, so-called adaptive capacity. Based on brain research, we also know that physical activity and learning new skills support not only physical fitness but also brain health throughout life,” says Sami Kalaja, Doctor of Sport Sciences.
Sisu Fitness Stairs as a central training element
At the heart of the park, the Sisu Fitness Stairs create a highly efficient and engaging training structure. Inspired by Finland’s outdoor stair training culture, they translate a proven concept into a permanent, accessible solution. The stairs support a wide range of exercises, from walking and running to lunges, step-ups, and bodyweight movements, making them suitable for users of all fitness levels. This versatility enables both structured training sessions and spontaneous everyday use. Their vertical design delivers high training impact within a relatively small footprint, making them especially valuable for space-conscious environments such as urban parks, campuses, and sports facilities.
Diverse equipment and fitness stairs encourage training
In addition to the Sisu Fitness Stairs, the area includes a wide variety of equipment for developing balance, climbing, jumping, running, and body control. Together, these elements create a complete outdoor training environment that supports not only skill development but also strength, speed, and endurance. A ball field located next to the skills area further expands the range of trainable abilities, allowing for both structured sports and informal play.
“At the opening event, we saw how the Kisakallio skills park sparked curiosity and inspired self-directed training among preschool children, sports institute students, and adults alike,” Kalaja continues.
Motor skills can be developed throughout life
The idea behind the Taito360 park is holistic, rather than focusing on a single ability. Strong fundamental motor skills enable participation in various activities and support the development of social relationships and interaction skills. A positive perception of one’s motor skills helps people stay engaged in physical activity and remain active. It also makes it easier to return to exercise after breaks at different stages of life.
Design requires multidisciplinary expertise
Training in a well-equipped, versatile environment supports the learning of motor skills and sport-specific performance while closely resembling real-life movement situations. The Kisakallio motor skills park was designed in collaboration with the client, international motor skills expert Sami Kalaja, and the Finnish Parkour Academy. The integration of Sisu Fitness Stairs within the overall concept demonstrates how thoughtful design, research, and user insight can transform a single structure into a multifunctional training hub.