March is here, which (hopefully!) means the cold weather is behind us and the evenings will be getting lighter – it’s the perfect time of year to get outdoors.

Making Watford a family-friendly town has always been top of my agenda. Over the past decade we’ve invested in events and activities that bring people together – regardless of age, religion, background or wealth.

With council budgets still being squeezed, many other authorities have cut back on community initiatives and free events.

But we are continuing to invest in making Watford a town with a strong sense of community, and a place where people can enjoy themselves together.

We’ve made real improvements to Watford’s parks and playgrounds to make them fun for adults and children alike.

Just last month we opened our exciting new play area at Harebreaks Rec with giant slides, bridges, tunnels and rigging to climb. My thanks to Beechfield School for coming along and being the first to try it out.

I’m also looking forward to the refurbished paddling pools in Cassiobury Park opening later this spring, with a new café, changing rooms and education space with panoramic views across the park.

We’re also putting on free Easter and summer holiday activities for young people across the town. The Big Events series returns again this year, starting with Big Word Fest on March 11, and our programme of free events at Watford Museum and Cassiobury Park is expanding too.

If you’re looking to get fit this spring, our ‘get active’ programme might be you.

From free group cycle rides, timed runs, dance and fitness classes and a variety of sports, there’s plenty going on.

See www.watfordgetactive.co.uk for a list of free and low-cost sports and fitness activities to suit every taste.