Cedars Park – A Haven for Inclusion

Research undertaken as part of Hertfordshire’s Year of Disability Sport & Physical Activity (No Limits 2026) by the Activity Alliance, revealed that access to parks, open spaces and nature is very important to disabled people as a great source of physical and mental wellbeing.

Hertfordshire is blessed with an abundance of high quality parks and open spaces with over 60 accredited to Green Flag standards.

As part of the No Limits 2026 campaign we want to spotlight outstanding inclusion work in the sector, including parks and open spaces.

Cedars Park in Broxbourne is a 16th Century 19 acre 'Green Flag' award winning park, with historical significance as the former home of James I and Theobolds Palace, the ruins of which are still evident around the site. Today the park has a scheduled ancient monument, woodland walks, formal gardens, play maze, ponds, pets’ corner, play trail, an arboretum and a conservation area.

Working closely with the Broxbourne Borough Council Parks Department is the Friends of Cedars Park, a voluntary group who organise a wide variety of activities and events that add vibrancy and interest all year round, with a vision ‘to make the park accessible to the local community and organise events around the themes of Wildlife, Wellness, Heritage.'

One of the activity groups available is the Men’s Shed – as well as supporting the park by restoring benches, maintaining pathways, gardening, making bird boxes, litter picking etc – the group acts as a safe space for men from all walks of life to support each other improving mental health, reducing isolation, and boosting wellbeing among men - particularly in retirement.

One of the participants is blind , and commented:

“What I am showing everyone, is what I can and what I can’t do, so far I have painted an insect bug hotel, I’ve used equipment that I wouldn’t have used in my normal day to day life, I’ve used a battery operated sander, someone guided me how to use a drill. I’ve also cut somebody’s facial hair from the group for charity, but I had to practice on a coconut husk before they let me loose. Basically, I have had fun and most of all I’ve felt I have achieved something”.

Other inclusive initiatives include:

1. The Community Games Box is an innovative idea designed to encourage families to have fun and stay active. Local residents are encouraged to donate pre-loved play equipment which is made available free of charge to park users.
2. The ‘Happy to Talk Bench’ - a visible sign that someone is open to interaction. The public seat featuring the sign ‘Happ to Talk’ is designed to combat loneliness, reduce social isolation, and encourage friendly, in-person conversations and foster a sense of community belonging.
3. A recent addition to the activity offer, is the Cedars Park ‘First Steps Health Walk’ in partnership with Herts County Council – a gentle free social walk led by trained volunteers ideal for people returning to physical activity after injury or illness.

Andy Massey and his wife Tracey are the driving force behind the Friends of Cedars Park group and work tirelessly to develop and organise the programme of activities, co-ordinate the volunteers and liaise with a wide range of partner organisations.

Dave renouf the Green Spaces Manager said this about Andy, his wife Tracy and other members of the Friends Group:

“The work , vision , commitment , enthusiasm and energy that Andy and others put in is simply amazing. As a Council and local authority, we are so fortunate that their efforts and hard work enable individuals to have the opportunity to be part of something that is so physically and mentally rewarding”.   

To find out more about the park and the activities on offer, visit:

Friends of Cedars Park | Facebook

Join Us as a Park Volunteer Today!

https://www.parksherts.co.uk/parks/cedars-park/

To find out more about No Limits 2026 - A year-long campaign aiming to break down barriers and create lasting change in how disabled people access and experience sport and physical activity in Hertfordshire. Visit: https://sportinherts.org.uk/no-limits-2026