22 April 2015
“DESTINATION ALDENHAM”
Improving access and integration through play, outdoor adventures, education and community engagement at Aldenham Country Park
Aldenham Country Playground is a modern, spacious and purpose built indoor and outdoor play facility for children and young people with disabilities and special needs, situated within Aldenham Country Park, Elstree, Hertfordshire. It is now managed by Aldenham Renaissance Limited, who are working to secure the future of this play facility, including the specialist provision for children and young people with additional needs. Integration with the wider park will improve accessibility and opportunity for all, joining up the specialist facilities at the playground with the attractions, activities and educational programmes of the Park.
Aldenham Renaissance Limited successfully secured the future of Aldenham Country Park with the introduction of new activities and attractions to improve the visitor experience overall, including an educational programme that offers schools and groups a fun and interesting introduction into the world of food, farming and the natural environment. It is this community and educational ethos that underpins their plans for the playground, developing its appeal and creating a sense of community and ownership. By using the playground indoor space as a base for the educational programme, this is one way Aldenham Renaissance is cross subsidising the playground and enabling its future for the longer term. The playground is also now open to the public for some inclusive play sessions and for private hire from groups, families and individuals.
The potential to develop Aldenham as a community setting for specialist services, including short breaks, is being explored and it is hoped that this can be piloted during 2015. However, Aldenham Renaissance Limited is a commercial enterprise that does not receive any subsidies from the local authority or any charitable funding streams; therefore needs to look for ways to ensure the playground can continue to offer a safe and secure environment.
We would welcome views on the future of the playground and would like to invite users to a consultation evening so we can hear ideas on how we can continue to make Aldenham Country Playground the first destination for a great day out.
The consultation evening will be at: Aldenham Country Playground, May 14th 6.30pm please email if you can attend: