London's first dedicated "pensioners' playground", opens to the public today 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."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact:
Katy Murray on 0300 061 2128 or email kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Cherie Willers at Westminster Council's Press Office on 020 7641 2259 or email cwillers@westminster.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

• The playground has been modelled on similar play areas in Europe and use of the playground and equipment is free.
• The Royal Parks has managed the project and consulted with a number of local and special interest groups.
• 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 first pensioner's playground in Europe opened in Berlin in 2008. It was designed by Renate Zeumer, an engineer who had noticed older people in China using simple pieces of government-provided equipment to exercise in parks, on the streets and in subway stations.
• The equipment has been designed by Kompan, a leading specialist in play solutions.

About Westminster Council:

• The playground has been funded under Westminster Council's neighbourhoods budget scheme which grants each ward in the city £100,000 in both 2008/09 and 2009/10 to spend on local projects and priorities. The playground facility forms part of the budget for Knightsbridge and Belgravia ward councillors.

About 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