Highfield Park Trust is a charity established in 1996, following the closure and redevelopment of Cell Barnes and Hill End Mental Health Hospitals.  The hospitals had extensive grounds, which have now become Highfield Park.  The Trust aim is to provide a diverse rural park for the benefit of the local community.

The Trust receives the majority of its income from a private investment which is a lump sum received from Department of Health when the hospitals closed. The remainder of the Trust income is from the rental of various properties within the Park, fundraising, grants and donations.

There are 12 trustees who guide the management of the Trust and the Park.  Trustees choose to sit on two of the following committees: Park Management; Finance and General Purposes or Community, Events and Publicity.  These committees meet 4 times a year and are followed by a Board meeting, which every trustee attends.  If there are any issues which you feel should be discussed at these meetings please contact the Trust.

Aims and Objectives

 Aim

 The aim of the Trust is to provide a diverse rural park for the benefit of the local community

 Objectives

 1        Manage the Park to

• Preserve, protect, develop and improve features of historic or public interest
• Preserve, protect and enhance features which benefit the landscape, environment, flora and fauna and encourages wildlife
• Provide and promote recreational and other leisure facilities in a safe and sustainable environment for the benefit of the local community

2        Use resources effectively to ensure financial viability, good governance, compliance with relevant legislation and good practice guidelines

Trustees

Roger Thomas Board Chairman and Chairman of Finance and General Purposes Committee   

Tim Abbott

Sue Back

Kevin Barnes (represents Colney Heath Parish Council)

Mike Curtis (Treasurer)

Sue Gaylard

Sarah Graham

Cllr Geoff Harrison (represents St Albans City & District Council)

Kirstin Micilotta

Peter Reeves Chairman of Park Management Committee

Bob Smith

Staff

The Trust has four full time members of staff Richard Bull (Park Manager), Rob Allen (Park Supervisor),  Dean Sexton (Park Groundsman),  Tom Jordan (Park Apprentice).

The Annual General Meeting of the Trust is held in the autumn to which members of the public are most welcome to ask questions and learn more about the work of the Trust.

The Highfield Park Trust is an independent charity (No. 1059251 and Company Limited by Guarantee (3193779).

Copies of the Trust’s Articles of Association and Statement of Financial Activities are available on request.  A charge of £2.50 is made to cover administration costs.