Baron Carl Johan Walleen built Hakasalmi Villa in 1843 on leased land then outside Helsinki's city limits, and the swampy plot was drained for a garden. His stepdaughter Aurora Karamzin was the last private owner. The city bought the buildings in 1896 and opened the park to the public in 1903. Helsinki City Museum moved into the villa's ground floor in 1912, and one of its exhibition spaces is still here.
The park covers 2.12 hectares and borders Hesperia Park. In summer the courtyard has a historical-style flower display and old-fashioned perennials, and a gravestone for Aurora's dog stands behind the outbuilding. The park has step-free access, is suitable for children, and dogs are allowed.
