Outdoor playground for seniors opens in Houston’s East End

Faith Braverman, Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – A different kind of playground opened Thursday morning in Houston’s East End.

Local non-profits BakerRipley and Great Age Movement cut the ribbon on a new fitness park for senior citizens.

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The park is located at the Ripley House campus on Navigation Boulevard, and is filled with low-impact exercise equipment to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.

The trend first began in China in 1995, and now senior playgrounds have opened in Europe, Japan, Canada and several cities in the United States, with the goal of promoting senior health and wellness.

The Houston park features a balance bridge, cardio cycles, and even an electronic “Simon Says” game to promote brain activity.

Fritz McDonald, the founder and president of Great Age Movement, highlighted all the benefits the park can provide.

“People need to keep moving. Movement is the key to life, and prevention of a lot of health conditions,” McDonald said.

He also promoted the social benefits of the park.

“As you get older it’s not as easy to make friends. It really promotes a lot of different things that are essential for your mental and physical well-being.”

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