Written by:
Sophia de Sousa
Yesterday, I was out for a lunchtime walk around my neighbourhood with my dog and came across something that stopped me in my tracks. There, on the pavement, someone had created an impromptu playground using coloured chalk.
There was a series of hopscotch squares, something I see from time to time on my walks, but here, someone had also got a bit more ambitious. This was a whole series of activities that had been set out.
There was a wiggly path to follow and spots where you were instructed to spin 5 times.
There were bubbles to burst and lava to jump around.
There was even a pool of sharks to avoid. Once you made it to the end, you were congratulated with a hearty, “Well done!”
This was a space which encouraged anyone walking along to stop and have a play.
I can’t tell you how much joy this temporary playable landscape gave me. The colours were a little faded and there was the odd spot where one of the neighbourhood dogs had stopped for a sniff and a pee, but there it was, in all its glory. Whoever had done this had clearly spent some time on creating this playful environment, complete with instructions, that others could enjoy.
Though I don’t imagine they would describe it as such, this was a considered and inspired bit of placemaking, albeit temporary. It happens to be on a route that is well travelled by local children heading to and from the primary school. My guess is that several children on their way home yesterday also stopped, looked and had a play.
With footfall and the next rain, this little gem will disappear in no time. It’s a shame but also an important part of its charm and success. It is a temporary installation which required no permits, permissions or health and safety checks to create. Simply chalk on a pavement.
I don’t know who our mystery artist and placemaker is, whether it is one person or a small collective. Judging by the mix of writing styles, it might be a child and a parent or grandparent, siblings or friends working together. I don’t know whether they are locals or visitors to the neighbourhood. I don’t know their age, or anything about them except that they are creative, playful and that they have given me enormous joy.
Such moments of joy need to be celebrated.