Hyde Park playground for older residents given the go ahead

10/02/2010

The Royal Parks will install London's first dedicated 'Senior Playground’ in Hyde Park this spring.  The £40,000 outdoor facility will feature fitness equipment chosen specifically to provide gentle exercise for the over-60’s.

 

The 'Hyde Park Senior Playground' will be project managed by The Royal  Parks and funded under part of Westminster Council’s Ward Budget  Scheme. Located in The Pavilion tennis and bowls centre, use of the  playground and its equipment will be free. The idea to build an older  people’s play area was first proposed by the Knightsbridge Association, a local residents' association.

 

Madeline Elsdon, from the Knightsbridge Association said: “In the United Kingdom there are now more pensioners than children but few facilities for them in our parks. We proposed the playground because many older people find indoor gyms intimidating and expensive and therefore aren’t exercising enough. The six pieces of equipment in this outdoor playground, chosen specifically for arms, legs and torso, will provide gentle exercise for the over-60s in a more relaxed atmosphere. As well as the physical and mental benefits we hope that the playground will encourage users to socialize and have fun together. People need to stay active, maintain independence and are never too old to play.”

 

Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said: “For those who  want to get fit in the great outdoors, you can’t do better than the Royal Parks for idyllic locations. We are keen to encourage people of all ages to keep fit and active and we believe that this new facility will inspire many people to take exercise and have fun while they’re doing it.”

 

Cllr Lee Rowley, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Communities said: "Exercise isn't just for young people - older residents should have the opportunity to get fit and active as well. This will be a great new facility in Westminster and will no doubt be enjoyed by the thousands of people that visit Hyde Park every day."