It was a sunny weekend afternoon, and like many parents trying to get through their weekend to-do list, I took my child to our local Target. It’s always been our go-to spot for everything from groceries to home goods, and my child loves coming along, especially for the little “adventures” each trip seems to bring. As we approached the store’s entrance, something familiar caught my child’s eye—the large, glossy red spheres that sit in front of almost every Target across the country. Without hesitation, my child ran toward them, happily jumping onto one like it was a playground toy. Just as I was about to remind him to be careful, a man passing by suddenly shouted at him to get down. His sharp tone startled us both. I instinctively reached for my child, feeling a mix of surprise, confusion, and a bit of embarrassment. Was my child actually doing something wrong, or was this stranger overreacting?
That moment stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about those red spheres—what exactly are they for, and why did it spark such a strong reaction? I had always seen them as quirky decorations, a part of the store’s character, but it turned out they serve a much more significant purpose. These large red spheres are bollards, protective barriers designed to keep vehicles from getting too close to the entrance, ensuring the safety of pedestrians. With vehicle-related incidents near public spaces becoming all too common, these bollards are a crucial part of maintaining a secure buffer zone.
While they may look playful, especially to children, the red spheres are there for safety. Their bright color and round shape naturally attract attention, and to a child, they can seem like oversized toys begging to be climbed. However, this design can lead to misunderstandings. For children, the spheres are an invitation to play; for adults, especially those aware of their purpose, this behavior might seem risky or irresponsible. The man who shouted was likely concerned for my child’s safety, but the abruptness of his tone added tension to what could have been a simple teaching moment.
This interaction got me thinking about how we navigate shared spaces and how safety influences our behavior in public. As a parent, my first instinct was to protect my child, but I also realized that this was an opportunity for reflection. Public spaces are communal, and they come with unspoken rules that are sometimes only recognized when they’re broken. While my child saw the sphere as a fun object, others saw it as a safety feature being misused. It highlighted how people perceive situations differently, which can sometimes lead to misunderstanding but also to opportunities for learning.
The situation also made me think about the intersection of functionality and aesthetics in public design. The red bollards at Target are not only safety features, but they also tie into the store’s signature red brand identity. They do their job while enhancing the visual appeal of the store’s exterior. But when design and function overlap, it’s easy for people—especially children—to miss the primary purpose. How can we design public spaces to be both safe and inviting without sending mixed signals?
In urban areas, public art and design often serve dual purposes: a bench may be artistic yet functional, or a mural may tell a story while making the space more engaging. The red spheres are an example of this dual purpose—they’re both protective and stylish. But perhaps they are a little too tempting for young climbers. The solution might not be to remove or redesign them, but rather to provide better public education about their purpose. A simple sign near safety features could go a long way in preventing misunderstandings or accidents.
The incident also reminded me of the delicate balance parents must strike between encouraging children to explore and ensuring their safety. Children are naturally curious and want to touch, climb, and engage with their environment. But not every object or space is designed for play. As parents and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to help children understand the boundaries between curiosity and safety—not by discouraging exploration, but by guiding it appropriately.
Looking back, I don’t blame the man for being concerned, even if his delivery was harsh. His reaction came from a place of care, and it led to a valuable conversation with my child. We discussed how public property serves different purposes, how some things are meant to be admired rather than interacted with, and how listening to others—even when we don’t fully agree—helps us grow.
Now, every time we visit Target and pass those big red spheres, we see them with a new perspective. They’re no longer just playful decorations or brand symbols. They’ve become a reminder of safety, public etiquette, and the complexities of shared spaces. The red spheres are a perfect example of how everyday moments can lead to meaningful reflection, shaping how we interact with the world around us.
