A new £40,000 outdoor "pensioners' playground" - designed for people over the age of 60 years - has been unveiled in London's Hyde Park by Westminster City Council (WCC).

The council has funded the scheme in partnership with The Royal Parks, which manages Hyde Park, to incorporate a range of equipment that will allow senior citizens to benefit from gentle exercise. Six pieces of equipment supplied by Kompan - including a cross-trainer, an exercise bike and a free runner - have been installed at the 125sq m (1,345sq ft) facility next to Hyde Park's tennis centre.

The fitness facility was first put forward by local residents' association, the Knightsbridge Association, and was primarily funded under WCC's ward budget scheme. Project manager The Royal Parks contributed £10,000. WCC leader Colin Barrow said: "Most older people have a lot of get up and go. Indeed, for many people sixty is now the new thirty and this playground is just one example of how Westminster is encouraging its older residents to enjoy exercising and have fun."

The Royal Parks chief executive Mark Camley added: "The Royal Parks is keen to encourage people to exercise in the great outdoors, and with the Albert Memorial in the background you would be hard pushed to find a better view from any gym in London."