WILL TO WIN

London's first dedicated "senior playground", has opened to the public in Hyde Park.
The outdoor facility, which has been funded in partnership between Westminster Council and The Royal Parks, will feature fun fitness equipment designed specifically to provide gentle exercise for the over-60s.

Located next to the Tennis Centre in Hyde Park, the playground, includes six pieces of equipment that offer users a range or exercises to improve strength and flexibility and help adults continue active and healthy lifestyles in later years.

'The Hyde Park Senior Playground' features 'keep-fit' equipment including a cross-trainer, a sit-up-bench, an exercise bike, a flex wheel to work the arms, a free runner and a body flexer.

Play areas for older people are popular in China and parts of Europe, but this is the first of its kind in London.

The idea was first proposed by the Knightsbridge Association, a local residents' association. The playground was primarily funded under Westminster Council's ward budget scheme, which provided £40,000 towards the cost of the project. The Royal Parks, who project managed the build of the Hyde Park Senior Playground, contributed £10,000 and re-landscaped the surrounding area.

Madeline Elsdon, from the Knightsbridge Association said: "I've been absolutely overwhelmed by the number of people that have already shown an interest in using the playground. There are so few facilities for older people in our parks and many older people find indoor gyms expensive and intimidating with all that firm flesh on show, so we proposed a fun outside gym for those who are still young at heart and want to exercise. It's also a chance for people to socialise and have fun and you're never too old to play."

Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks, said: "This is a fantastic new facility and we believe that it's going to be very popular amongst the five million people who visit Hyde Park each year. The health benefits of walking or exercising in parks are now well established. With that in mind The Royal Parks is keen to encourage people to exercise in the great outdoors, and with the Albert Memorial in the background you would be hard pushed to find a better view from any gym in London!"

Cllr Colin Barrow, Leader of Westminster council, said: "Most older people have a lot of get up and go. Indeed, for many people sixty is now the new thirty and this playground is just one example of how Westminster is encouraging its older residents to enjoy exercising and have fun. Just because someone is a bit older doesn't mean they can't exercise and keep fit."