Old age traditionally brings with it a bus pass and maybe even a zimmer frame.But in one Shropshire village it could instead provide the opportunity for pensioners to relive their youth.
Talks are under way which could see Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, get a playground designed specifically to help older people to take exercise and to keep fit in a fun way.
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Councillors are investigating the costs of installing the play area, which would be the first of its kind in the county, after hearing about a successful initiative elsewhere in the country.
The idea is at a very early stage, but councillors asked their clerk to investigate the costs of such a facility at a meeting this week after hearing about a scheme in Blackley, Manchester.
It features a see-saw, a type of swing, a walking machine, a bicycle and steps with each piece of equipment designed to help adults exercise.
The creation of the play area came after research highlighting the strong value of play to older people.
David Leeson, chairman of Minsterley Parish Council, said: “We would like to look at all facilities that are available to give to the people of Minsterley. We have a sheltered housing area at Longleat Close in the village. It would be a fun thing for them there.”
Clerk Louise Walsgrove said: “We usually think of play equipment for younger people. But now this has come in let’s consider the older generation.”
She said it would be brought up again at the next meeting.
Shropshire County Council said it was not aware of any other such play area in the county. George Candler, county assistant director of learning, culture and community safety, said: “Naturally we support people having an active and healthy lifestyle as do other local authorities in Shropshire.”
David Yearley, head of play safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, also welcomed the idea.
He said: “We must be careful to ensure that vigorous adults do not endanger children. However, with careful planning we can ensure facilities are developed which meet the needs of the whole community.”
By John Kirk
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