About the project
SOE koht is a community initiative in Sillamäe, by the Sõtke river — a place where people, nature and ideas come together.
Back in 1965, the residents of our city planted a birch grove to mark the 20th anniversary of the end of World War II. Many years have passed since then: the small saplings have grown into tall, mature trees, and the grove has become a truly beautiful and meaningful place for the city.
However, today the grove lacks convenient infrastructure, so residents visit it less often than they could. Meanwhile, the average lifespan of a birch tree is around 80–100 years, which means that in just 20–30 years many of the trees will begin to age and gradually die. That is why it is important to start renewing the plantings now, planting young trees and forming a new generation of the grove so that it continues to live, grow and delight residents for decades to come.
Our goal is to turn the birch grove into a place of attraction for both locals and tourists. We want this space to be comfortable and vibrant in every season, where everyone can find something to enjoy — whether for relaxation, walks, gatherings or active leisure.
We also believe it is important for residents to once again actively participate in shaping and transforming the grove. We want to give people the opportunity to plant named trees and install memorial benches, take part in creating a playground and other architectural features, and express their opinions through surveys and public discussions about what they want the grove to look like in the future. It is this shared participation that makes a space truly alive and valuable to the entire city.