Finland is facing a significant setback with the construction of its largest shooting center, the Ruutikankaan Ampumakeskus. Despite receiving over two million euros in state funding, the project remains incomplete and has lost the right to host the 2027 European Shooting Championships.
Issues Surrounding Ruutikankaan Ampumakeskus
The Oulun Seudun Ampumaurheilukeskus ry, responsible for managing the shooting activities, has halted its operations due to unresolved rental agreements. Consequently, all shooting activities in the center are currently suspended.
Discussions about a new operating partner are ongoing. The center’s management seeks organizations within a 100-kilometer radius to take over shooting operations. Jarkko Koskela, the CEO of Ruutikunnat Oy, which owns the facility, has expressed optimism about securing a partnership with local shooting clubs.
Operational Delays and Financial Strain
The construction of the shooting center began in 2019, aimed to be completed by 2025. However, ongoing construction issues have delayed the project considerably. The center currently spans 93 hectares but requires substantial operational funding to sustain its activities.
- Completion date: Originally planned for 2025, but ongoing delays persist.
- State funding: Over 2 million euros allocated.
- Recent financial loss: Ruutikunnat Oy reported a deficit of 211,000 euros for the 2024 fiscal year.
The loss of the 2027 European Championships marks a critical blow to the center’s financial viability. The European Shooting Confederation’s delegation determined that the facility would not be ready in time to host the event.
Legal Challenges and Management Changes
The story of the Ruutikankaan Ampumakeskus also involves legal disputes. The former CEO, Timo Haataja, is claiming nearly 200,000 euros in unpaid wages from Ruutikangas Oy, the original developer of the center. This case will be heard in Oulu’s district court in May 2024.
Ownership of the facility shifted to Ruutikunnat Oy in 2023, under the management of local municipalities, including Oulu and Raahen. The facility’s future greatly depends on the establishment of functional shooting ranges designed to support various training needs.
Future Developments
Recent developments include land preparation for new functional shooting ranges, expected to cater to agencies like the Border Guard and the police. Three additional ranges will be constructed, enhancing the complexity of shooting exercises conducted at the center.
Jenna Simula, a parliamentary representative and chair of Ruutikunnat Oy, remains confident that partners will emerge to sustain shooting activities. The strong presence of hunting associations and sports shooters in the Oulu region is a hopeful sign for future collaborations.
The Ruutikankaan Ampumakeskus project highlights the challenges of large-scale sporting facility developments in Finland, including financial, operational, and legal hurdles.
