A new outdoor exercise park with a special focus on older residents is now open for community use in Lucas.
The Lucas Seniors Exercise Park was officially opened on Wednesday, designed to support the health and wellbeing of residents of all ages, but with a strong focus on older residents.
Delivered as part of the Ageing Well Strategy Action Plan 2024-2026, the park provides safe, accessible and social opportunities for people to enjoy physical activity close to home.
The park includes a range of equipment suitable for all fitness levels, from low-impact machines and balance stations to stretching frames and walking circuits.
Attending the official opening of the exercise park on Wednesday, City of Ballarat Councillor Damon Saunders said the project reflected the Council's commitment to creating neighbourhoods that encouraged healthy living across every stage of life.
This project follows the implementation of two previous outdoor seniors-focused exercise parks at Mt Pleasant Reserve and MR Power Reserve in Sebastopol.
The seniors exercise park was funded by the City of Ballarat, with support from the Ballarat Lions Club towards landscaping, plantings and seating.
"Ballarat's seniors exercise parks are a great example of how Ballarat is investing in the health and wellbeing of our older community," Cr Saunders said.
"They provide a safe accessible environment for older adults to encourage physical activity and exercise which is key for mobility, independence and mental health."
The Ageing Well Strategy identifies health and social connection as two of the most important factors in supporting quality of life for older residents.
Just as importantly, shared spaces like the Lucas Exercise Park help reduce loneliness and create opportunities for intergenerational connection.
Lucas was chosen as the location for the park due to its growing population and the strong demand for open space and recreational facilities in the community.
The park is also linked to walking paths and nearby amenities, making it easy to access for people of varying mobility levels.
Over the coming months the newly-formed City of Ballarat Social Activity Volunteers will commence regular weekly free sessions at this park helping to activate the space and build a sense of community. Their future involvement will ensure the park becomes a welcoming space for older adults.
"This is about more than exercise equipment, it's about building a community space where people can move, talk, laugh and feel part of something," Cr Saunders said.
Visit the Social Activities page of Ageing Well in Ballarat website to learn more about the free sessions to be held at the park.
