Sapokka

Sapokka is a name associated with a public urban park and water garden in Turku, Finland, most commonly referred to as the Sapokka Water Gardens. The complex lies along the city’s waterfront and blends terraced landscapes with aquatic features, stone pathways, and artistic elements. The design aims to harmonize water, rock, and vegetation, offering viewpoints over the harbor area. The gardens are open to the public year-round and are a notable part of Turku’s waterfront revitalization efforts.

History and development of the Sapokka Water Gardens trace back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, as part of a broader initiative to redevelop Turku’s harbor district. The project involved collaboration between municipal authorities and local landscape architecture practitioners, with an emphasis on materials and forms that reflect the maritime environment.

Key features of the site include multiple ponds connected by channels, stone staircases and boardwalks, and plantings organized on terraces and in rock garden contexts. Seasonal plantings highlight Finnish flora and provide different visual experiences throughout the year. Sculptural elements are integrated to complement the natural landscape and to provide focal points for visitors.

Beyond its function as a recreational space, Sapokka serves as an example of urban landscape design in Finland and is frequently visited by locals and tourists exploring Turku’s waterfront and riverside routes. The name Sapokka can also appear in reference to the surrounding district or to organizations and events that use the site as a namesake.