What is a Seniors Exercise Park?
Seniors Exercise Parks feature a range of outdoor exercise equipment designed for older people and gentle exercise.
All the equipment is designed to help improve your:
- balance, including on unstable surfaces
- strength
- coordination
- functional movement
- joint range of motion and mobility.
What are the benefits of a Seniors Exercise Park?
Equipment at Seniors Exercise Parks focus on building strength, balance and mobility for daily activities and wellbeing.
‘It’s good to know that I can do something at my age to help myself, and that’s most important to me,’ shares Diane, a local park user.
Professor Pazit Levinger leads research into seniors exercise parks at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).
‘Research shows that people who use the parks regularly, at least twice a week, often feel significant improvements in physical and mental health after a few months’, she explains.
‘The evidence is there. We know it has great health benefits.’
Bevin regularly uses his local park. ‘I don’t have any left knee pain anymore. That’s just from doing the exercises and keeping at them.’
The parks are also a great way to socialise and have some fun at the same time. Many councils offer group sessions at the parks, or you can come along with your friends!
Where can I find a Seniors Exercise Park?
Seniors Exercise Parks are located across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
To find a location near you, visit the NARI .
How can I get started?
There are many ways learn the correct use of the equipment and safely build your confidence.
Group sessions
If there is a Seniors Exercise Park in your area, check if your local council offers free group sessions. These sessions are led by passionate volunteers from your local community who were trained by NARI.
You’ll be guided through the exercise circuit and have the chance to make new friends. The exercise program is designed by NARI, who based the circuit on the park’s exercise stations and how to get the best out of the equipment.
Christa volunteers with other locals to run classes in her area. ‘You might not end up being like a 20-year-old again, but you’re going to be a lot better than what you were before.’
Hear from some of the volunteers, including Christa, in NARI’s community training .
Guidelines
Find out more information about the equipment and exercises on the NARI . This includes:
- examples of exercises
- instructional videos, and
- a tip sheet you can print.
If there are QR codes on the fitness equipment at your local park, you can use your smartphone to scan them and see instructions.
Speak with your healthcare provider
If you’re feeling unsure about exercising safely, talk to your healthcare providers for support and advice.
The parks are a great place to do your physiotherapy exercises and feel motivated with peers.
Have a go
Most importantly, Professor Levinger recommends having a go. ‘If you’re not enjoying what you do, you won’t be motivated to exercise. Finding that enjoyment while exercising is important.’
More information
For more information about Seniors Exercise Parks, visit the NARI .
Quotes from park users are sourced from NARI’s community training .
Reviewed 27 April 2025