Mysterious 'Earth Locks' discovered at popular park - signs of the occult or harmless prank?
- Replies 6
A series of strange metal objects of unknown origin recently appeared overnight at a suburban park in Perth, sparking intense public speculation, debate, and concern.
The hoop-shaped objects, approximately one metre tall with protruding bars, were first spotted earlier this week by local residents at Rickman Delawney Reserve in the northern Perth suburb of Balcatta. The objects are randomly placed across the grassy hillside with no identifiable purpose or pattern.
The reserve was recently renovated as part of a $1.03 million upgrade by the City of Stirling, which included the addition of a new footpath and playground facilities. However, these odd metal hoops were not part of the original plans, leaving locals scratching their heads.
'When we first saw them appear after the construction crew had left, we thought it was some kind of modern art installation,' said Jenny Mills, a dog walker who frequents the park. 'But the city said they had no idea where they came from!'
On Sunday, photos of the objects were posted to social media platform Reddit in hopes of solving the mystery. 'Art? Something for sport? Couldn't find any plaque explaining what they were,' wrote the original poster.
This kicked off a flurry of speculative comments, with theories ranging from the silly to the supernatural.
'Clearly anchoring points for when aliens come to collect all of the dogs who frequent that park,' wrote one witty Redditor.
'Um, those are obviously markers for occult gatherings, I'd avoid the park at night,' cautioned another user.
One of the most intriguing explanations was that they are so-called 'Earth Locks' - a series of poles strategically inserted into the earth's crust to prevent the planet's molten core from spewing out at the equator.
In reality…
The hoops are simply ball targets installed by the council as part of the park's upgrade. The targets are metal hoops of varying sizes designed to facilitate and improve people's ball-throwing or kicking skills during sports or games in the park.
During the initial community consultation phase of the project, some locals expressed concerns over the avant-garde appearance of the targets, with one resident calling them 'ugly'. The stark, abstract shapes of the hoops contrast sharply with the natural grace of the rolling grassed hillside.
This is not the first time unusual public art has caused controversy. In Chicago, the city's Picasso sculpture baffled residents when it was first erected in 1967. Initially hated, it has since become a beloved icon.
Now that the truth is out, most seem to agree that while odd, the 'Earth Locks' are simply harmless fun. But it does raise questions about public art and when abstract modern designs can appear more ominous than artistic.
The contentious objects certainly provided some unexpected entertainment for Perth locals this week. And if nothing else, they highlight how public spaces can capture our imagination in surprising ways!
The hoop-shaped objects, approximately one metre tall with protruding bars, were first spotted earlier this week by local residents at Rickman Delawney Reserve in the northern Perth suburb of Balcatta. The objects are randomly placed across the grassy hillside with no identifiable purpose or pattern.
Mystifying objects seen at Balcatta’s Rickman Delawney Reserve. Picture: Reddit
The reserve was recently renovated as part of a $1.03 million upgrade by the City of Stirling, which included the addition of a new footpath and playground facilities. However, these odd metal hoops were not part of the original plans, leaving locals scratching their heads.
'When we first saw them appear after the construction crew had left, we thought it was some kind of modern art installation,' said Jenny Mills, a dog walker who frequents the park. 'But the city said they had no idea where they came from!'
On Sunday, photos of the objects were posted to social media platform Reddit in hopes of solving the mystery. 'Art? Something for sport? Couldn't find any plaque explaining what they were,' wrote the original poster.
This kicked off a flurry of speculative comments, with theories ranging from the silly to the supernatural.
'Clearly anchoring points for when aliens come to collect all of the dogs who frequent that park,' wrote one witty Redditor.
'Um, those are obviously markers for occult gatherings, I'd avoid the park at night,' cautioned another user.
One of the most intriguing explanations was that they are so-called 'Earth Locks' - a series of poles strategically inserted into the earth's crust to prevent the planet's molten core from spewing out at the equator.
Other commenters compared the objects to famous public artworks like Stonehenge or the towering monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. 'Perth's answer to Stonehenge!' proclaimed one poster.
In reality…
The hoops are simply ball targets installed by the council as part of the park's upgrade. The targets are metal hoops of varying sizes designed to facilitate and improve people's ball-throwing or kicking skills during sports or games in the park.
Perth residents are puzzled by the unusual public art. Origin: Reddit
During the initial community consultation phase of the project, some locals expressed concerns over the avant-garde appearance of the targets, with one resident calling them 'ugly'. The stark, abstract shapes of the hoops contrast sharply with the natural grace of the rolling grassed hillside.
This is not the first time unusual public art has caused controversy. In Chicago, the city's Picasso sculpture baffled residents when it was first erected in 1967. Initially hated, it has since become a beloved icon.
Picasso sculpture in Chicago. Source: Public Delivery
Now that the truth is out, most seem to agree that while odd, the 'Earth Locks' are simply harmless fun. But it does raise questions about public art and when abstract modern designs can appear more ominous than artistic.
The contentious objects certainly provided some unexpected entertainment for Perth locals this week. And if nothing else, they highlight how public spaces can capture our imagination in surprising ways!
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