Over 1,200 young people attended the action-packed Herts Summer Parks Programme

The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership's (HSP) Herts Summer Parks Programme, provided three weeks of engaging activities to 1,218, 12-16 year olds across five locations in Hertfordshire; Borehamwood, Cheshunt, Watford, Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage.

Running from 3-6pm, every weekday from 5th - 23rd August, each festival style event offered a wide range of physical and enriching activities in a chosen public park. With a number of young people returning week after week and attending multiple parks, the programme achieved an amazing turnout overall. 

The programme was funded via the Department of Education and delivered by HSP partners Sporting Inspirations CIC, whose experienced youth workers were dedicated to ensuring that the children had an experience that they will remember, shining a positive light on physical activity as well as tackling social barriers. Some of the activities on offer were; arts and crafts, graffiti, inflatables, rock climbing and a BMX track. 

The event was made even better thanks to the contributions from Everyone Active, Police CSOs, Saracens Dance Workshop, Warriorz, and Lives Not Knives, who all enriched the scheduled activities throughout the programme. A heartfelt thanks also go to VIP guests, including local mayors, council cabinet members and the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster who took the time to join the team during one of the event days. HSP are also very grateful to those Local Authorities who contributed financially to the programme. 

Additionally, 11 local food providers engaged with the programme to provide participants the opportunity to recieve food vouchers that they awarded upon registration, to collect a free hot meal from different locations, each day near the park, with a total of 1,149 voucher cards used in total. 

HSP is thrilled to have announced a collaboration with Cheeky Wipes and John Lewis, delivering 50 health and wellbeing packages in Stevenage and Welwyn for young girls, each bag including essential reusable sanitary products and beauty, skincare samples, designed to tackle period poverty and boost confidence.  

Lastly, HSP would like to thank all partners and providers for their contributions in making Herts Summer Parks 2024 an enjoyable and successful three weeks.

“It’s a great wholesome experience."

Herts Summer Parks Attendee

"As an art workshop provider, we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage children in our creative activities. Watching the children express their ideas and build confidence in their drawing and designing skills was incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, being part of a programme that promotes community engagement and fosters creativity in children was a fulfilling experience for all involved.”

Herts Summer Parks Activity Provider 

For more information on the Herts Summer Parks Programme please email a team member on, hertssummerparks@herts.ac.uk