Jacob's Ladder is an outdoor staircase in Perth, Western Australia.[1][2] Consisting of 242 concrete steps, the staircase links the north-east corner of King's Park with the Swan River, though it is not part of Kings Park itself. Beginning at the top end of Cliff Street and leading down to Mounts Bay Road, Jacob's Ladder is a popular site for Perth residents to exercise.[2]
History edit
Originally known as Cliff Street Stairway, it was originally constructed in 1909 as a straight staircase of 274 jarrah steps as a cheaper alternative to a road for Mount Eliza residents to reach the river. According to legend, it acquired its current name from a local real estate agent who placed a sign at the base of the staircase, in reference to both the Bible story about a ladder to heaven and the stunning views at the top of the structure.[1] The original wooden structure was closed and demolished in 1961 due to safety concerns and replaced by the winding concrete staircase still in use today.[1]
According to legend, Herb Elliott trained on the original timber version of Jacob's Ladder before it was replaced by its current concrete and metal version.[2]
Incidents edit
The staircase was closed for three months after being damaged by a landslide during a storm on 22 March 2010.[3][4] It re-opened on 21 June 2010, after repairs.[5]
In November 2023, the staircase was closed for three weeks after a deliberately-lit bushfire caused some minor structural damage.[6]
The staircase's enduring popularity with joggers has led to complaints from some nearby residents over noise and inconsiderate behaviour.[7][8]
References edit
- ^ a b c Wynne, Emma (2015-02-10). "Jacob's Ladder: Perth's stairway to a sweaty heaven". ABC News. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ a b c Naglazas, Mark (2022-12-11). "'Tell my wife I love her': Perth's stairways to hell(th)". WAtoday. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
- ^ City dries out after storm, City of Perth, 23 March 2010, archived from the original on 25 February 2011, retrieved 23 March 2010
- ^ Towie, Narelle (23 March 2010), Wild storm throws city into chaos, The Sunday Times, retrieved 23 March 2010
- ^ Jacob's Ladder re-opens, Community newspaper group, 21 June 2010, retrieved 28 August 2010
- ^ Price, Lauren (2023-11-29). "Jacob's Ladder: Iconic exercise spot reopens after some minor structure repairs following East Perth bushfire". PerthNow. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
- ^ Law, Peter (2015-03-15). "'Inconsiderate' Jacob's Ladder joggers torture Kings Park locals". PerthNow. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ McNeill, Heather (2017-01-20). "Jacob's Ladder to remain open 24/7 despite noise complaints from residents". WAToday. Retrieved 2024-03-04.