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 to ward councillors by the Knightsbridge Association, a local residents' association.

Madeline Elsdon, from the 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."

Media enquiries:

The Royal Parks Press Office: Katy Murray on 0300 061 2128 or email kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Westminster City Council Press Office: Cherie Willers on 020 7641 2259 or email cwillers@westminster.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About the Hyde Park Senior Playground:

• This project has come to fruition through the partnership of The Royal Parks, The Knightsbridge Association and Westminster Council working together to provide a new facility for the benefit of older people.
• Hyde Park was selected as the perfect location for the 125 square-metre facility as it provides easy access to both residents and visitors.
• The Royal Parks has consulted with a number of local and special interest groups. Work on the playground will begin in the next few weeks and the site is due to open in spring 2010.

About Westminster council's ward budget scheme:

• Westminster Council's Ward Budget Scheme granted each of its Wards £100,000 in both 2008/09 and 2009/10 to be spent on projects chosen by their residents.

About Hyde Park and The Royal Parks:

• Hyde Park is one of London's finest landscapes and covers an area of over 350 acres. With more than five million visitors each year, it is also one of the most popular free attractions in the capital.
• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk