Fitness parks aid seniors
Hazel Simpson tries out the fitness facility in a Burnaby park.
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Updated: October 10, 2009 7:29 PM
Greater Vernon politicians are being urged to play a role in helping keep seniors in shape.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee is investigating the possibility of establishing an outdoor fitness facility after a presentation from resident Hazel Simpson.
“Burnaby, Abbotsford, Kamloops and Kelowna have similar parks,” she said.
The facility would include a number of devices, such as weights, that would allow seniors to exercise.
Simpson believes this would be especially beneficial for seniors who can’t afford to go to a gym or physiotherapy.
“If everyone had access to equipment such as this, you can see the benefits. We are all being urged by the medical profession and the media to keep fit, take plenty of exercise and eat well.
“We have a lot of seniors and people who have had surgery so here is a chance to help everyone.”
GVAC members are willing to investigate the proposal further.
“It’s a brilliant idea,” said director Mary-Jo O’Keefe.
Simpson has suggested that the fitness facility be installed in Polson Park, and that information will be passed on to the landscape architect who is looking at ways of redeveloping the site.
“They will see how it fits into the space and where it could go,” said Al McNiven, parks and recreation general manager.
“When you ask people what they would like to see in Polson Park, they all have their ideas but there are only so many things that can fit in.”
Directors have instructed staff to look at other parks where the fitness facility could possibly be constructed.
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