John Lewis boosts Herts Summer Parks Programme with £2,500 donation

On Friday 9th August, Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) launched the first Herts Summer Parks at King George V Playing Fields, Stevenage. The programme is funded through the Department of Education’s Holiday Activity and Food programme commissioned to the Partnership by Hertfordshire County Council.  

The first week at Summer Parks saw a wide range of free activities, including an origami workshop led by Vanessa from Crafty Team Building, a climbing wall and bungee run provided by The Fun Firm. Local partners Everyone Active, Stevenage Healthy Hub, Hertfordshire Constabulary, ParkGuard and Warriorz Studio also attended, offering valuable services, including a taster street dance session. 

Building on our previous partnership with John Lewis, HSP are hugely grateful to the team at Welwyn Garden City’s John Lewis who generously donated £2,500 to this year's Summer Parks Programme. The donation has been used to enhance the opportunities and activities provided to the young people, as well as going towards female health and wellbeing packs that will be distributed during the final week of the programme at a number of locations.  

Thank you to Karl Toombs from John Lewis who came down to Stevenage to meet with the HSP team running the programme as well as and two representatives from Stevenage Borough Council who have also provided some financial support to the programme. 

The week concluded with a special visit from Annie Brewster the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire and Partnership board member.  

It was great to share the positive impact with the High Sherrif herself. She witnessed the children’s excitement as they experienced activities for the first time along with the children receiving their free food voucher at registration, granting them access to a hot meal from either George’s Fish and Chip Shop or Misya Meze Grill!  

The Herts Summer Parks Programme is taking place in five locations across Hertfordshire, running Monday through to Friday. For more information, locations and dates please click here.