Hertsmere Mayor officially opens Meadow Park junior parkrun

A new junior parkrun has launched at Meadow Park in Borehamwood, bringing families together for a free weekly event every Sunday morning.

The event got off to a fantastic start in August, with an impressive 103 children taking part. Designed for children aged four to 14, the weekly 2km event gives young people the opportunity to get active, enjoy the outdoors and be part of a welcoming local community.

This new initiative has created exciting new opportunities for children and families to get active in their local community and has seen 154 people take part in their first junior parkrun over the first 11 weeks.

The event is delivered by volunteers and is part of the wider parkrun movement, which has become a popular way for communities across the UK to connect through physical activity. Each week 20 volunteers are needed to ensure the event happens safely. If you’d like to volunteer please reach out to meadowparkjuniors@parkrun.com 

Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Parveen Rani, Town Mayor Councillor Tushar Kumar, and former High Sheriff and Deputy Lieutenant Annie Brewster attended the launch to help mark the occasion.

Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Parveen Rani who cut the ribbon to officially open the event said: 

‘‘I was delighted to officially mark the launch of the Meadow Park junior parkrun in Borehamwood by cutting the ribbon and saying a few words to the children, families and volunteers.  

This is a fantastic initiative giving local children and families the opportunity to enjoy free, regular physical activity every Sunday morning at 9am. 

It was wonderful to see so much energy, confidence and community spirit in Meadow Park. Encouraging our young people to stay active, healthy and connected is an investment in the future of our community. 

Reflecting on the community effort behind the launch, Councillor Parveen Rani added:

I was especially pleased to recognise the partnership behind this initiative — Active Local Cowley Hill, parkrun UK, Hertsmere Borough Council and the dedicated volunteers who make the event possible every week. 

For me, being Mayor is not only about attending events; it is about supporting initiatives that create real opportunities for our residents and bring people together. 

A proud morning for Borehamwood and a wonderful step towards a healthier, happier and stronger Hertsmere.’’ 

New figures from parkrun UK highlight the positive impact of junior parkrun on children's wellbeing, with over 75% reporting feeling happier after taking part, around 67% saying it makes them feel proud and more than half feeling more confident. 

The free, weekly 2km event takes place at Meadow Park, Brook Road, Borehamwood, WD6 5HQ every Sunday at 9am. Open to children aged 4–14, junior parkrun provides a fun, inclusive environment where young people can get active, build confidence and develop healthy habits.

The new event has been funded through the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership’s Active Local project, supported by Sport England's Place Universal Offer investment. The project aims to tackle inequalities by increasing access to physical activity in communities where opportunities are most needed.

Local organisers are encouraging families, schools and community groups to get involved, whether by taking part, volunteering, or simply coming along to support.  

With its inclusive format and consistent weekly schedule, the new junior parkrun is quickly becoming a key feature of the local activity offer, supporting healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections in Borehamwood. 

For more information and to register, visit: Meadow Park junior parkrun