It was a sunny weekend afternoon, and like many parents trying to get through their weekend to-do list, I headed over to our local Target with my child in tow. It’s always been our go-to spot for everything from groceries to home goods, and my child loves tagging along, especially for the little “adventures” that come with each trip. As we approached the store’s entrance, something familiar caught my child’s eye—the large, glossy red spheres that sit in front of nearly every Target across the country. Without hesitation, my child ran toward them, gleefully hopping onto one of the spheres as if it were a playground toy. I was just about to remind him to be careful when, out of nowhere, a man walking past yelled sharply at my child to get down. The abruptness of his tone startled both of us. I instinctively reached for my child, my first reaction being a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and confusion. Was my child actually doing something wrong? Or was this stranger simply overreacting?
That moment stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about those big red spheres—what exactly are they for, and why did this seemingly harmless moment cause such a strong reaction? I’d always thought of them as just quirky decorations, something that added personality to the store’s exterior. But clearly, they serve a deeper purpose. As it turns out, those large red spheres are not just for show. They are known as bollards, and their true purpose is far more serious than many people realize. Bollards are sturdy posts designed to act as protective barriers. At Target, these red spheres are strategically placed to prevent vehicles from driving too close to the entrance, ensuring the safety of pedestrians who are entering or exiting the store. In a time when vehicle-related incidents near public spaces are sadly not uncommon, such barriers are essential for creating a safe buffer zone.
Though they may appear fun and playful—especially to children—the red spheres are ultimately meant to provide protection. Their vibrant color and round shape naturally draw attention, and to a child’s eyes, they look like oversized toys begging to be climbed. But this presents a complicated issue: while their design is eye-catching and even charming, it can also lead to misuse. For kids, the spheres are an invitation to climb and play. For adults, especially those aware of their safety purpose, this behavior can look risky, even irresponsible. The man who shouted may have simply been concerned for my child’s well-being or worried about the potential for injury. Still, the way he expressed it—abrupt and confrontational—added tension to what could have been a teaching moment.
This brings up an important aspect of public behavior: how we interact with others in shared spaces, particularly when safety is involved. As a parent, my first instinct was to protect my child, but I also realized that the situation offered an opportunity to reflect. Public spaces are, by nature, communal. They come with unspoken rules and expectations—some of which we only recognize when they’re broken or challenged. While my child saw the sphere as a fun object, others saw a safety feature being misused. In moments like these, it becomes clear how differently people can perceive the same situation. That contrast can lead to conflict, misunderstanding, or, ideally, to dialogue and learning.
It also raised a broader question about the design of public spaces and how functionality and aesthetics intersect. The red bollards at Target are a perfect example of how practical safety measures can double as brand identity. Their bold color ties into Target’s signature red logo, making them both useful and memorable. They do their job as protective barriers while also enhancing the visual appearance of the store entrance. But when form and function overlap, it’s easy for people—especially children—to miss the primary purpose. This raises an interesting challenge: how can we design public spaces that are both safe and inviting, without sending mixed signals?
In many urban areas, public art and design elements are intentionally created to offer dual value. A bench may be sculptural and artistic, but it’s still meant to be sat on. A mural might make a wall more interesting while also telling a story. In this case, the red spheres are protective and stylish—but perhaps too enticing for young climbers. Maybe the answer isn’t to remove or redesign them, but to better inform the public about their purpose. Some stores already place signage near safety features to educate or warn patrons. While it might seem excessive for something so seemingly simple, a small reminder might go a long way in preventing misunderstandings or accidents.
The incident also reminded me of the balance parents often must strike between allowing kids to explore and keeping them safe. Children naturally want to touch, climb, and engage with their environment. That curiosity is part of how they learn and grow. But not every space is designed for play, and not every object is meant to be interacted with in that way. As caregivers, it’s up to us to help kids understand those boundaries—not by discouraging curiosity, but by guiding it in the right direction.
Looking back, I don’t fault the man for being concerned, even if his delivery was harsh. His reaction, while jarring, came from a place of care, and it sparked a valuable conversation I was later able to have with my child. We talked about how public property has different purposes, how some things are meant to be looked at rather than touched, and how listening to others—even when we don’t fully agree—can help us grow.
So now, every time we go to Target and pass by those big red spheres, we see them differently. No longer just playful obstacles or brand symbols, they’ve become conversation starters—a reminder of safety, public etiquette, and the subtle complexities of shared spaces. They’re a perfect example of how everyday experiences can turn into moments of reflection, and how even a brief encounter outside a store can shape the way we engage with the world around us.
