The Tar Park alongside the city channel is Karleby’s central park, stretching almost 3km through the city from Tar Island (Tjärholmen) to Old Harbour Bay (Gamlahamnsviken). Previously there were old loading berths, tar docks and a warehouse along the channel. There are several lawns and footpaths in the park, which includes the city Market Place and is a popular venue for annual markets, fairs and public events.
The Western Park in its present form was created at the end of the 19th century. Gamlakarleby Gardening Association, which was founded in the 1860’s, was responsible for maintenance.
Chydenius Park, situated between Great Street (Storgatan) and Strand Street (Strandgatan), was built in the 1860’s. Foreign varieties of trees such as elm, maple and larch-trees, were planted in the park.
The Commissioner’s House garden (Kronofogdegårdens trädgård) will be restored based on the available examples of 17th century gardens. The original garden stretched all the way to the shores of the channel, but land uplift has moved the river channel 150m from the house. The main building is in the Caroline baroque style of the 1780’s. The renovated house with its modern restaurant is an ideal venue for both private and official occasions.
Rödsö School Park is situated between Rödsö village school and the banks of Perho River. Shipowner Jean Kyntzell founded the park in the 1830’s beside his summer house. The park has been restored and a small pavilion and a strand jetty will also be built.
Katarina Cemetery was founded in the beginning of the 1700’s on Skrammelbacken (Skrammel Hill) after a decision was made to forbid burial in churches. The present inner graveyard was originally established in 1779 as a burial- ground for victims of the plague.
Marie Cemetery was founded in the beginning of the 1840’s in the Mesilä forest area for the Gamlakarleby parishes. The area was extended in the years 1890 and 1914. A stone wall encompasses the graveyard. The chapel was built in 1920 in Empire style.
Elisabet Cemetery was founded in 1848 for Karleby parish. The graveyard’s trees are old pine-trees and the area is surrounded by a stone wall.
