"The Parks Department is considering a plan to designate a section of John Jay Park just for seniors, possibly a first in the city," according to an article today by Dan Rivoli at ourtownny.com.

"The southeast corner of the park, which is between East 76th and 78th streets by the East River, next to the bathhouse," the article continued, "would be transformed into a senior citizens' playground. Instead of jungle gyms and ball fields, older folks could use low-impact exercise equipment, play on checker and chess boards, go to an outdoor yoga class, or just read in quiet."

Peggy Price, a co-chair of the parks committee of Community Board 8, suggested the idea to the board and to the East 79th Street Neighborhood Association, and told Our Town that "older people might be on a fixed income and can't afford a gym," adding that "here's an opportunity to get them the kind of services that are appropriate for their interests for free."

The article said that the concept of "senior oases" has "already caught on in London, which just opened its first senior playground in Hyde Park last month. "The park, which is technically open to anyone, features senior-friendly equipment such as a cross-trainer, stationary bicycle and sit-up bench," it added.

Council Member Jessica Lappin, whose district covers the park, netted $250,000 for the Parks Department to design the area and buy some exercise equipment, the article said, adding that "Lappin, who also chairs the Council's Aging Committee, got an additional $6,000 for recreational programming in the park such as tai chi and yoga."

"Seniors felt there really wasn't a place in the park for them," Lappin told Our Town, adding "There was a tot lot, but not a senior space. So why shouldn't there be?"

In ancient days, a glimpse from a window sill or a fire escape sufficed as recreation in some sections of the city and many park benches have given comfort to those who totter but are young at heart.