On Saturday 16 August, it will be exactly one hundred years since our beloved city park, Mariebergsskogen, was inaugurated. Anna Lööf Falkman, CEO and Alumnus of the Year 2015, invites everyone to a festive celebration lasting all day!
It’s a busy time for Anna Lööf Falkman. In addition to the year-round activities that fill the park, special events are being organised to mark the centenary.
– Throughout the summer, we’ve hosted a photo exhibition around the park, showcasing snapshots from different moments in its history. On Saturday, we’ll hold a jubilee concert at the Open-Air Theatre, featuring Christer and Cecilie Nerfont, Oscar Magnusson, and others paying tribute to the park – standing tickets are still available.
The day will also be filled with guided tours, dancing, roaming musicians, and traditional games.
Anna has been CEO of Mariebergsskogen since 2003, and under her leadership, the park has become a cherished destination for both Karlstad residents and visitors. When she was named Alumnus of the Year in 2015, the citation read:
Anna has used her degree in education creatively throughout her career, and through her strong leadership, she has developed Mariebergsskogen in Karlstad into an engaging meeting place, accessible to all ages throughout the year. The park is a valuable asset not only for the municipality’s residents but also for visitors, and this is largely thanks to Anna. Her leadership and creativity make her a worthy recipient of the Alumnus of the Year award.
So how does Anna reflect on her own journey and that of Mariebergsskogen today?
– It’s fascinating to think about how times have changed. When I became CEO, I was asked how I would manage the role as a woman and a parent. Thankfully, that’s not a question people would ask today!
The park now employs around 90 people throughout the year, with 40 permanent full-time positions. It’s a team with a wide range of skills working together to create a cohesive experience, where every part plays an important role. Anna highlights the many successful collaborations that help make Mariebergsskogen a place of both tranquillity and celebration.
– We work closely with the university in many ways, hosting students as interns and summer staff. We also collaborate with organisations such as sports clubs, concert organisers, and schools.
What does Anna see for the future – both for the park and for today’s students who are just beginning to build their lives?
– We face major changes ahead, affecting both our forest, which has grown here for hundreds of years, and us as people. I hope our decision-makers continue to value the opportunity for all kinds of citizens to meet here, free of charge and without obligations. And I hope students remain curious about all kinds of knowledge – you never know when it might come in handy.
A big congratulations to all of us who have access to this vibrant centenarian all year round!
