In my research one thing that exemplified why play in public space was a positive thing, was that it established a sense of belonging and ownership of space, and it similarly was an altruistic force which was of immeasurable benifit to the city. I observe this to be the case generally, in the affectionate manner in which traceurs and other urban players speak of their beloved city spaces, but I find it even better is when it finds explicit expression in the benevolent action of it's citizens.
On Sat morning members of the Brisbane section of the Australian Parkour Assosciation met at Jacobs Ladder to begin a day of general altruism as they cleaned foot marks off walls and cleared the parks and walkways of rubbish, needles, broken glass and generally unsightly and unsafe things. After Jacob's Ladder we hit white walls, and NAB alley. We cleared in excess of 3m^3 of this waste and made a noticeable difference to some of the walls which bore the marks of much previous parkour love.
The most frustrating thing architecturally whilst undergoing this work was the innapropriateness of finishes and detailing in public space. A popular spot for parkour, affectionately known as "white wall's" suffers from terrible water staining, damaged and degrading finishes, and a general lack of maintainence. A simple change in detailing, colour and material selection would result in a completely different and more aesthetically sustainable outcome to the benifit of both urban player's and urban manager's and owners. Materials that are impervious and patterned or grained appropriate to the close scale of engagement, materials that don't stain, details that manage the negative effecs of water. Basic, simple things that done well would make a world of difference to the utility of public space.
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