The Story Behind Pärnävaara’s Buildings – Built with Volunteers, Cooperation, and New Ideas

The story of Pärnävaara’s buildings reflects the true spirit of the area – determined people, a strong tradition of volunteer work, and a sense of community.

The first proper service and cafe buildings were constructed in the late 1990s. A modest information booth was created from the remains of an R-kiosk and built entirely by volunteers. Its foundation was dug by hand with gravel, and for years it served as the competition office and a base of operations. Around the same time, the Pärnävaara Sports Center Foundation carried out major building projects: a cafe, service building, and waxing huts were completed in 1997–1998. These buildings were made possible through a combination of Ministry of Education grants, municipal funding, and above all, the efforts of local sports clubs and volunteers. Without the voluntary workforce that built and maintained the facilities, the development of Pärnävaara would not have been possible.

The purpose of these building projects was not only to provide proper changing, washing, and maintenance facilities for athletes and hobbyists but also to create a welcoming environment for spectators and event organizers. They laid the foundation for Pärnävaara to host major competitions – from the Finnish Ski Championships to the Jukola Relay.

The Pärnävaara cafe was more than just a place to buy coffee and pastries – it became a meeting place. Visitors warmed up there after frosty ski sessions, followed the progress of competitions, and caught up with friends. For many, the cafe’s aroma, Eeva Reijonen’s legendary doughnuts, and the warm atmosphere are unforgettable memories.

In the 2000s, the building stock gradually expanded, and new groups joined in. In 2012, agility enthusiasts brought their contribution by building an agility hall on the grounds. The project was carried out largely through volunteer work: dozens of people helped dig the foundations, lift wall elements, and assemble the roof. The topping-out ceremony was celebrated with blueberry pie and grilled sausages – a moment that captured the essence of Pärnävaara: when people work together, something lasting is created.

With the agility hall, Pärnävaara grew into an all-year-round sports and hobby center. Alongside winter sports, dog sports became part of the area, attracting new users and strengthening Pärnävaara’s role as a multi-sport venue.

The buildings are not just walls and roofs – they are symbols of the community’s perseverance and desire to keep developing Pärnävaara from one generation to the next. Each building carries the imprint of volunteers and their stories, making Pärnävaara more than just a sports center: it is a shared meeting place where tradition and renewal go hand in hand.

Today, Pärnävaara’s buildings form a complex that serves both major sports events and everyday visitors. In 2022, the main building, announcer’s booth, sauna, and changing rooms changed ownership, sparking a new wave of renovation and development that ensures Pärnävaara continues to grow.

Each building at Pärnävaara is more than just a facility. They are part of the community’s history and stories – volunteer evenings, children’s first ski trips, major competitions, and the warm conversations in the cafe.

Pärnävaara’s buildings tell a story of perseverance and cooperation. Constructed by volunteers, they have made possible everything from children’s first skis to major national events. Alongside local associations, Liperi municipality and regional businesses have also taken responsibility for development: the municipality has purchased land and drafted a Master Plan, while businesses have contributed to projects such as the early snow track and equipment services.

The next major step is already on the horizon – in spring 2026, new accommodation, conference, and dining facilities will be completed, carrying Pärnävaara’s building heritage into the future.