Parks and open spaces
Parks, Open Spaces and Play Areas with the City & District of St Albans form an important network of spaces and public places.
Alongside trees, these green spaces play a valuable role in improving the quality and character of District.
Parks and Green Spaces COVID-19 update
Parks and Green Spaces are open but please comply with the current social distancing guidelines when visiting.
Children's Play Areas are open but please comply with social distancing guidelines and reconsider visiting a play area if it is busy.
The following Parks and Leisure facilities are closed due to the current restrictions:
- Batchwood Golf Course
- Abbey View Golf Course
- Outdoor Tennis Courts
- Outdoor Gyms
- Outdoor Multi Use Sports Courts
- Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre
- Harpenden Sports Centre
- Cotlandswick Leisure Centre
- Football Pitches
- Sports Pavilions
Please check with your Town or Parish Council regarding the status of the facilities managed by them.
Service News
Applications to open shortly for community revenue grants
Community and voluntary groups will soon be able to apply for a grant from a new St Albans City and District Council fund.
Improve equality, diversity and inclusion in the District
Residents and community groups are being urged to help shape St Albans City and District Council’s equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.
St Albans Museums seeks students and teachers from the St Albans School of Art
St Albans Museums and UH Arts are collecting memories of the St Albans School of Art, which was based in St Albans for over a century.
Heavy rain delays spoil works at Rothamsted Park
Work to level an events area in Harpenden’s Rothamsted Park with spoil from the nearby leisure centre development has been delayed by heavy rainfall.
New head of Commercial and Development
Tony Marmo has become the new Head of the Commercial and Development department of St Albans City and District Council.
Harpenden Leisure Centre – launch postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions
The opening of Harpenden’s new multi-million-pound leisure centre has been postponed because of the Government’s new COVID-19 restrictions.
Major improvements to sport facilities
Major improvements are to be made to sports facilities at Verulamium Park in St Albans – including two new all-weather tennis and netball courts.
Corporate plan and budget plans revealed
Tackling the climate emergency and helping the community recover from COVID-19 are among the top priorities of St Albans City and District Council.
Mayor’s festive facemask contest
St Albans Mayor Councillor Janet Smith is raising funds for charity with a festive facemask competition.
Plans for Charter Market changes should be reviewed, a Committee says. More statues and other public art needed in St Albans.
Plans to replace traditional stalls at St Albans Charter Market with a variety of gazebos should be reconsidered, a Council Committee has said.
Repair work to Alban Arena will have no impact on shows
Essential work is being undertaken to repair one of St Albans’ flagship buildings – the Alban Arena.
Harpenden’s new culture centre to be named after comedy legend
Harpenden’s new culture centre is to be named after one of its most famous residents – comedy legend Eric Morecambe.
Long-term financial support given to women’s refuge
St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge (SAHWR) is to be given long-term financial support in recognition of the vital services it provides.
Verulamium Park’s new playground opening
A new £250,000 children’s playground at Verulamium Park in St Albans has been completed and will open on Wednesday 11 November.
Grants for community groups
Voluntary and community groups in St Albans District are encouraged to apply to a grants fund aimed at helping the most vulnerable people.
Community grant fast-tracked because of Covid-19
A grant to a charity that supports people with learning disabilities has been fast-tracked because it will help protect them against Covid-19.