Free family fun in the park
Building an active community
Free family fun in the park was created to bring families and friends together, to enjoy being active outdoors in a way that suits them.
The power of community voice has been central to shaping place‑based action in Harlow, ensuring that local insight is not only heard but embedded into new planning and delivery.
Free Family Fun in the Park sit within this wider community‑driven approach, demonstrating how listening to residents leads to activities and environments that feel accessible, relevant and connected to local identity. By grounding planning in lived experience, Harlow continues to build programmes and spaces that strengthen belonging, promote active lifestyles, and respond directly to what the community says matters most.
Driven by local insights, it was clear that many Harlow residents who face levels of deprivation, value free and inclusive opportunities for the whole family to be active together. A previous model has been trialled, but its structure wasn’t supporting effective delivery and didn’t connect with the community due to already engaged commitments.
Locally trusted organisation, Time for Change, took time to understand the barriers and motivators of residents and developed an opportunity that was more suited to the insights offered through community voice. Consequently, a more accessible opportunity has been created within the community that is flexible due to the weather but has social cohesion and connection at its core.
Active Essex have helped manage relationships with both national and local providers, connecting locally trusted organisations, Time for Change Kids with key council officials to secure access to green spaces. Continuation of the initiative is growing in terms of provision and regular attendees are returning week after week as the project take holds as a free family initiative in Harlow.
Active Essex continues to act as a key advocate for the project, ensuring alignment with wider strategic goals and championing the vital role of locally trusted organisations. By elevating community voice and empowering residents to shape local opportunities, we're supporting a delivery model that is genuinely responsive to community need.Danielle Warnes, Active Essex Relationship Manager, West Essex
Key learnings
It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, to focus on ways to improve in the future.
Community voice
Local insights and evolving approaches is essential for success.
Flexible delivery
Redesigning initiative for all weather conditions proved vital.
Adaptability
Social cohesion is a core objective and delivery should adapt accordingly.
Partnerships
Collaboration of partners enabled access to green space and funding.
Holistic benefits
It’s not just about physical activity; it’s also about strengthening community bonds.
