When the sports facility in Braås needed a boost, the association Braås GoIF took a bold step. Thanks to project funding and an enormous local engagement, the gravel field has been transformed into an activity park that attracts both locals and visitors from the entire region. The project was named Meeting Point Braås and the goal was clear: to create an activity and adventure center with spaces for multiple sports and activities. Today, Braås Activity Park is an obvious meeting place with an obstacle course, outdoor gym, motor skills track, pump track, mountain bike track, and much more. The vision became a reality thanks to passionate individuals, financial support from, among others, Leader Linné Småland, the General Heritage Fund, and Växjö municipality, as well as thousands of volunteer hours.
– It is the whole association, the whole community, that has come together and made this happen. We have probably put in almost 4000 hours voluntarily, says Johan Schwab, chairman of Braås GoIF.
The association knew that local anchoring was crucial. They visited the school and stood outside ICA to tell about the project idea. When the plans were first presented, they were met with some skepticism.
– Many just said ”mm, yes, go ahead guys.” But when Växjö municipality also came in with money, people began to realize that it might actually become something, Johan recounts.
Today, no one doubts it. The activity park has become a gathering point that attracts both locals and visitors from the entire region.
– Everyone is extremely proud that we have this. In the whole community. We get as much praise as possible when you meet people in the village.
A park for the whole family
The Leader support primarily went to the outdoor gym, obstacle course, and motor skills track. Investments that allow the whole family to engage.
– The outdoor gym was part of the plan from the beginning. As a parent of young children, it is difficult to find time to train, but then it is perfect that the kids can run around on the motor skills track while you do your workout, says Jerry Skoglund, deputy member of the association's board.
The motor skills track is built to introduce balance and movement in a playful way to the very youngest. The obstacle course is frequently used by both the association's football team and outside visitors.
– The best part is seeing how whole families come here, that everyone can participate. You could spend an entire day here. That was one of the cornerstones of the project, says Johan.
Something that exceeded expectations was the response to the bike tracks, which have become the park's main attraction.
– When we had a qualifying round in the Scandinavian Pumptrack Series, almost a thousand people came here. Several said that our track is among the best in Sweden, recounts Fredric Skarenberg, board member of Braås GoIF.
Engagement that creates ripples
That the park is completed today is the result of a strong voluntary effort. During the construction period, workdays were organized where everything from ten to sixty people participated.
– It is so fun to belong to an association where there is a forward spirit. Many of those who have participated in the workdays have become good ambassadors for the association, says Johan.
The engagement has also strengthened the association life. New teams have been started, more want to become leaders, and sponsorship revenues have tripled thanks to the activity park. This ultimately allowed the association to lower its membership fee. The park also attracts visitors from all over Kronoberg and beyond.
– I would say that 95 percent of the visitors come from outside, says Johan.
Lessons for others
The project in Braås has attracted attention both regionally and nationally. Associations and municipalities from other parts of Sweden have reached out for tips. Johan is clear about what is required:
– It is important to have a project group with the right people. Someone visionary, someone doer, someone who can manage timelines, and someone who understands finance. It is about finding these people and being ready to work hard; otherwise, it won't work.
Even though much has already been done, there are plans for further development, including maintenance of the mountain bike track and more competitions. At the same time, the ambition is to take a well-deserved break after years of intense work.
– We will probably rest for half a year now. There have been 16-hour days and many nights of planning, but it is amazing to see what we have accomplished, says Johan.
Quick facts: Braås Activity Park was inaugurated in 2023 in Braås, Växjö municipality. Project owner Braås GoIF received 980,465 SEK in project support to build an obstacle course, outdoor gym, and motor skills track (as parts of the activity park).
Website: laget.se/BraasGoIF
Instagram:@braas.goif
Facebook: @braasgoif
Published: March 11, 2026
