Nature Jump
Surry Hills At Play Festival
05.05.23

The London Plane Tree/ Platanus x acerifolia is a significant tree in Surry Hills that has been in the same spot on Bourke St for almost 100 years. It has stood there quietly cooling the city and cleansing the air while providing a safe haven for birds and animals. It has also witnessed an increasingly busy city, a place where we rush through urban streets in our cars and on our phones while ignoring the natural world around us.

Now the tree wants to get our attention, to encourage us to stop for a moment, look down at our feet and have some fun! It’s simple, all we have to do is follow its leaves along the footpath as they lead us on a jumping adventure through Shannon Reserve.

‘Nature Jump’ is an interactive installation that encourages play and social interaction for people of all ages. This playscape consists of ten sets of two leaf like adhesive vinyl shapes that are applied to the footpath in a pattern that is easy for both kids and adults to follow. Just place your two feet on the starting leaves and jump through the pattern until you come to the end. Laugh as you twist and bounce and don’t worry if you feel a bit puffed- a little bit of exercise is very good for you!

The installation is made up of leaf shapes inspired by the leaves of the ‘London Plane’ Tree and the colours used are based on the ‘London Plane’ Tree during Autumn. This is intended to focus the participant’s attention on the beauty of nature and enhance their relationship with it.

The playscape can be easily applied to a flat outdoor surface such as a footpath or could be adapted for use on grass with a stencil and paint. This prototype is intended for temporary use however the installation can be fabricated going forward with a hard wearing outdoor vinyl or be painted directly onto surfaces where there is foot traffic in urban areas eg. footpaths, outside buildings etc. In this way it will be functional and resilient and able to withstand regular use and play. It is cost effective to produce and can be easily transported by walking or cycling and can be packed into a backpack or attached to a bike.

Play is a human need for both children and adults. It facilitates social interaction and positive physical and mental health outcomes. Nature is also an important component in our health and wellbeing. In this way, by combining play with nature this playscape is a beneficial addition to public space. Sometimes all it takes is a simple idea to effect noticeable change.