The council is in the running for its work with the community and the Hertford Playground Alliance on a new flagship play area for Hartham Common in Hertford.
Shortlisted in the ‘delivering better outcomes’ category, the award celebrates the involvement of local communities to make a real impact in people’s lives and the innovative thinking that takes place in the public sector to achieve it.
The Hartham play area project is shortlisted alongside Hounslow, Bolton, Enfield, Mid and East Antrim and London Borough of Brent councils. It was unveiled last year after a £373k revamp, including a standout piece of climbing equipment funded by a successful crowd funding campaign initiated by local residents Carolyn, Jodi and Kalin from Hertford Playground Alliance.
Councillor Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for Wellbeing, said: “To be shortlisted from the work of over 300 councils across the country is a real achievement in itself. It is testament to the efforts of many people in the council, but also from the Hertford community who played a pivotal role in making the play area what we all see and enjoy today. Whilst we will of course hope for the best, whatever happens next, we’re very proud of what we all achieved together.”
Jodi Syssa from the Hertford Playground Alliance said: “We’re thrilled to see our work with the council shortlisted for such a prestigious award. The play area shows what can be achieved when the community is put at the very heart of project delivery and I hope we can inspire others to get involved with their local councils to make a positive difference to where they live.”
The winner will be announced at a ceremony on 24 June.
