It's a little known greenspace with big potential for a certain segment of the population.
Now that the weather has improved, senior citizens may want to take advantage of a recreational area meant for the more mature demographic.
A free, outdoor gym specially built with seniors in mind is the key feature of Seniors Park near Masich Place Stadium.
The outdoor facility includes a step machine, balance bars, chest press, leg press and other equipment normally found in an gym. Soft, recycled rubber mats provide a safe surface to prevent and reduce the chance of injury in a fall.
The park was built by the city last year with funding from ActNow B.C., city community services manager Cheryl Livingston-Leman said. The city will be holding an event on June 10 from 10 a.m. to noon to promote the park.
"We'll be doing 15-minute orientation sessions with fitness leaders," Livingston-Leman said. "It'll let seniors and others know how to use this equipment. It was designed for seniors, but it's open for anyone to use."
The event is part of B.C. Seniors Week, which runs from June 5 to June 12.
"What we're encouraging is seniors who are active to stay active," she said. "For those seniors who have never been active, it's a good way to start."
The location next to Masich Place Stadium provides a range of outdoor fitness opportunities, she said.
"We have lots of indoor gyms," she said. "This offers something different... a facility that is outdoors and free."
YMCA fitness program manager Shannon Johnson said she frequently takes seniors-oriented fitness classes across the street to Seniors Park.
"The equipment is very biometrically sound. There is an ability for a smaller person or a larger person to use it," Johnson said. "There are some stations that are built for agility and balance."
Promoting stability, posture and balance can improve seniors' daily lives, she said.
Because the equipment relies on hydraulics, rather than weights, to provide resistance there is little chance of a machine moving suddenly, she said.
"It can be a multigenerational facility as well," Johnson said. "We see people out here with their grand kids all the time."
Instructional videos showing how to use all the pieces of exercise equipment at the park will be available on the city's website at princegeorge.ca/cityliving/recreation/seniors.
