“360 Degrees of Pure Activity”
Mari Marttila’s blended family found their home in Suonenjoki. Excellent transport connections, lakeside plots, and a soon-to-be-completed multipurpose hall are the highlights of this active town.
A New Beginning in Suonenjoki
Mari Marttila moved from Western Finland to Suonenjoki in the summer of 2018. After much consideration, her blended family settled in Suonenjoki for its perfect size, convenient train station, and the opportunity to build a lakeside home.
“Not for a moment have I regretted the move,” Marttila says.
“Young People Are Amazing Everywhere”
Marttila works as a guidance counselor and deputy principal at Rautalampi’s equestrian high school, a job that fulfills all her professional dreams.
“I get to express myself, develop and grow, and work with young people.”
Students at the equestrian high school come from all over Finland, giving Marttila insight into the country’s youth.
“There’s no difference in young people from one place to another. Young people are amazing everywhere!”
She is also pleased that young people in the region have access to many nearby universities and colleges.
An Active Municipality for an Active Family
Of Marttila’s seven blended-family children, three still live at home. For their active and sporty family, Suonenjoki has been an excellent place to raise kids.
“Suonenjoki is just the right size—big enough yet small enough. I still have the chance to stay involved in my children’s lives, from their friends to their hobbies.”
Marttila’s 17-year-old son, Riku Marttila, appreciates the town’s variety.
“The services and opportunities for hobbies are diverse, and young people have many ways to get involved and make an impact,” Riku says.
Mari Marttila’s passion for dog breeding has gained momentum since moving to Suonenjoki, thanks to its proximity to major cities.
“It’s 360 degrees of pure activity,” she sums up.
As a nature lover, Marttila treasures Suonenjoki’s beautiful waterways, outdoor trails, and clearly defined seasons.
“You don’t need to move to Lapland to experience proper winters and snowy landscapes.”
Finding a Common Tune
Moving from one dialect region to another brought some amusing challenges at first, but Marttila quickly adapted.
“I think the locals had a harder time adjusting to my fast pace and abrupt dialect,” she laughs.
Marttila appreciates the energy, forward-thinking, and vibrant community of Suonenjoki and Northern Savonia.
“There’s always something new being built and more events happening than you can possibly attend. Locals don’t always realize what a fantastic place they live in,” she observes.
She also praises the excellent healthcare services in the area.
“Before, I had to drive hundreds of kilometers to see a specialist. Now, the doctor is just 10 kilometers away at the health center. Specialized care is also well-considered—after surgery, for example, you can swim at a discounted rate.”
More Than Just Strawberries
Marttila hasn’t grown tired of strawberries yet, but she wishes Suonenjoki was recognized for more than its signature crop.
“I’d like to see the municipality promote its real strengths, like diverse hobby opportunities, effective healthcare services, and excellent transport connections. We used to have to drive 60 kilometers to a train station; now we have four stations within a 60-kilometer radius.”
A brand-new multipurpose hall, including a swimming facility with multiple pools, is set to open in early 2021 in Suonenjoki’s town center.
“I’m really looking forward to the new swimming hall. It’s a fantastic addition to Suonenjoki,” Marttila says.
Text: Susanna Lehtonen/Mainostoimisto SST
Photos: Mari Marttila
The article was written during the Future Savo project in 2020-2021.
