Chalk it up to streetwise fun

A Narrikup neighbourhood has devised a colourful way to keep people moving during isolation by creating a street-long sensory and exercise path.

Using colourful chalk, mother of three Bekki Perry drew the first stretch of the trail outside her home and left a bucket of chalk with a sign encouraging neighbours to do the same.

The idea quickly spread, with parents adding their own activities to the path until it stretched all the way from Hannan Street to Williamson Avenue.

Ms Perry said she could not help but smile when she saw neighbours young and old embracing the old-fashioned fun with a modern twist.

“I came across the idea on Facebook and I thought that being a really interactive community, all the kids in the neighbourhood would enjoy it,” she said.

“It is a creative outlet as well for the parents, because being stuck inside with small children can be quite daunting and quite isolating, even without COVID-19.”

The sensory path features hopscotch, movement exercises and fun activities for families to practise along the pavement.

“It’s got all different interactive and sensory parts where the kids can do twirls. It’s got a section for kids to practise their ballet moves and a hopscotch,” she said.

“There is a part where adults can get involved and do squats. There’s a part up against the power pole where they can do wall presses.

“We’ve had a 17-year-old play on it, we’ve had an elderly couple up the road do it, so it is pretty much for all ages.”