Successful summer in Hertsmere

Over the summer holidays it can be difficult to entertain the children without spending a fortune. But did you know Hertsmere Borough Council puts on a number of free events every year?

This year alone there has been events suitable for all the family held throughout the school holidays including play days, play rangers and Be There Do It! activities.

Cllr Brenda Batten, Leisure, Culture and Health portfolio holder, said: "Entertaining children and young people during the holidays can be hard for parents, particularly in the difficult financial times we find ourselves in. Each summer we as a council provide a number of free events in the borough, and each year the number of people attending these events grows. We are extremely proud of the activities we have organised this year, and have received great feedback from many people who have attended."

The National Play Day events took place in August and included activities such as face painting, kite flying, badge making as well as a range of different games and sports for children to get involved in.

Three play day events took place across the borough, each of which had an excellent turn out. Approximately 600 children attended Moatfield Park in Bushey, around 200 went along to Oakmere Park in Potters Bar and approximately 600 attended Aberford Park in Borehamwood.

Hertsmere's Play Rangers scheme works alongside Sure Start Children’s Centre providing a range of activities for the under five's. Over the summer Play Rangers have put on a number of free events in Hertsmere entertaining children from across the borough.

The Be There! Do It! programme, for nine to 19 year olds, organised a range of free events for young people aged between nine and 19-years-old over the summer. One of the programmes biggest successes this year was Party in the Park that took place in July at Aberford Park, Borehamwood. Around 2000 people watched a range of street dance acts perform alongside other dancers who have featured in the recent Street Dance 3D movie and on television.

Each of Hertsmere Borough Councils schemes aim to offer an inclusive programme for the whole community.

Free events allow parents to be secure in the knowledge that their children are receiving quality care, and are extending their knowledge and interest in creative and sports play activities.

Find out more about about forthcoming events taking place in Hertsmere Parks and for more info on Hertsmeres play activities visit Hertsmere's play schemes