Regional Victoria launches first Seniors Exercise Park in Ballarat

Regional Victoria’s first Seniors Exercise Park launched recently in Ballarat will assist older people to improve their strength, balance, joint movements, mobility and function. The Park deliberately features unstable surfaces to challenge balance and promote core strength.

Situated at Mt Pleasant Reserve, the Exercise Park is an important part of Council’s vision to become an age friendly community and allows older adults to engage in physical programs while also enjoying social interaction with others.

The City of Ballarat has partnered with the National Ageing Research Institute to install the innovative site. 

The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH project (Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY) was unveiled last week with the project aimed at evaluating the effects of sustained engagement in physical activity on mental health and physical outcomes for older people using the Seniors Exercise Park.

Only 25% of older Australians meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) says creating opportunities for older people to engage in outdoor physical activity requires commitment from the community and local governments.

National Ageing Research Institute Director, Professor Briony Dow notes “The beauty of the ENJOY MAP for HEALTH program is people will be trained to deliver the specialist exercise programs, which means the Seniors Exercise Park will have longevity in the community.”

State Trustees Executive General Manager, Michael W. Spiegel adds  “State Trustees is proud to support such an important community facility that is needed more than ever as Victorians come out of lockdown. It is critical for all of us, at every age, to keep active, connected and healthy. As the Public Trustee of Victoria, we feel privileged to play a small part in the wellbeing of all Victorians helping them to live on.”

Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney said partners Banyule Council,  NARI and the State Trustee Foundation of Australia had helped Council make the seniors exercise park a reality for Ballarat.

“We greatly appreciate their contribution to a facility that I am certain will be welcomed and utilised by our older, active citizens wishing to maintain their health and physical strength and improve their quality of life.”

Images courtesy of facebook.com/BallaratCityCouncil