Older Adults to Get Physical at Regional Victoria’s First Seniors Exercise Park 

Ballarat’s older adults will now be able to enjoy greater outdoor physical activity following the launch of regional Victoria’s first Seniors Exercise Park. 

Situated at Mt Pleasant Reserve, the Exercise Park allows older adults to engage in physical programs as they also enjoy social interaction with others and is an important part of Council’s vision to become an Age Friendly community.

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

The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH project (Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY) will be unveiled today at 10.30am.

The project will evaluate the effects of sustained engagement in physical activity on mental health and physical outcomes for older people using the Seniors Exercise Park.

Only 25 per cent 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.

“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,” Director, Professor Briony Dow said.

The Seniors Exercise Park 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.

“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," Michael W. Spiegel Executive General Manager said.

Ballarat Mayor Cr 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.”