On Saturday 20 July 2024, skaters, sports enthusiasts, families, local councillors and Broxbourne’s MP came together at Waltham Cross Playing Fields to celebrate the completion of the park’s upgrade a
The launch event, which was organised by the Council in partnership with the companies that installed the new equipment, offered thrilling entertainment on the new Skatepark (installed by Maverick Industries) with performances by skaters of all ages and abilities. In addition, the public enjoyed music, competitions and free family activities including facepainting, climbing wall and bouncy castles.
The park’s new cutting-edge outdoor DJ Booth, featuring its own music library and wireless connectivity to allow users to stream personalised playlists from their mobile devices, was also a hit on the day. In addition, the interactive ‘Sutu’ Rebound Football Wall was another crowd-generating piece of technology that saw visitors getting into the football spirit to take on target kicking challenges.
Another popular addition was the second Yalp Sona Interactive Dance and Play Arch installed in the Borough, an outdoor technology especially engineered to help delay the progress of Dementia through fun and interactive dance and memory games which are also widely enjoyed by families.
The exclusive interactive equipment installed by Jupiter Leisure and Play, not only makes Waltham Cross Playing Fields the most innovative park in the Borough, but also an enviable one extending far beyond Broxbourne’s boundaries.
A brand-new state-of-the-art outdoor gym created by the Great Outdoor Gym Company, has added to the park’s diversity, with many visitors admiring its solar powered features, mobile device connectivity to adjust workout settings and access equipment-specific video instructions, as well as the ability to charge a mobile device while working out.
To complement the new installations, the fields were filled with free sports activities, ranging from football sessions run by GT United, volleyball run by Herts Sports Partnership, and Dodgeball run by Sporting Aid. A Dr Bike pop-up was also on hand offering free bicycle maintenance and repairs.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Sherrie McDaid said:
“These new facilities represent more than just an investment in infrastructure; they are an investment in the health, well-being, and future of Waltham Cross. Our community thrives when we have safe, modern spaces to come together, stay active, and enjoy the benefits of sports and recreation. I am confident that these facilities will be a source of pride and joy for Waltham Cross for many years to come”.
The Sports Pavilion at Waltham Cross Playing Fields, refurbished by Belfry Property Services, was also officially opened to the public having undergone refurbishment which has modernised the facilities, making them fully accessible, with spacious meeting rooms, newly equipped kitchen, toilets and showers. The pavilion will primarily serve to accommodate sports teams and community meetings.
Further to these developments, the playing field now also benefits from a new 600 linear metre perimeter path installed by AH Nicholls.
Following the launch, community events are already scheduled to take place, including the Council’s free Lark in the Park family sports fun event every Friday from 2.30-4.30pm until the end of August. Sporting Aid has also organised free events including Calisthenics sessions run by Street Titans on the new outdoor gym (for 16 years+) every Wednesday from 24 July, 6-8pm; basketball sessions every Wednesday from 5.30-7.30pm on the new Multi-use Games Area (part of the rising stars basketball project for 11-18 year olds) and Skating lessons run by ABC Skateboarding every Wednesday from 3-5pm (for 8-14 year olds).
To find out more about other upcoming events visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/Events. To find out about other regeneration projects in Waltham Cross visit www.broxbourne.gov.uk/Regeneration.