When it comes to playground design and build, we often focus on the big-ticket items—slides, swings, and obstacle courses, playground sets, and so on. But have you ever considered how smaller, more versatile elements can significantly enhance a play space? Let’s talk about balance balls: the unsung heroes that add a whole new dimension to playgrounds and playspaces.
Crafted from durable TPV wet-pour rubber, these spherical wonders aren’t just eye-catching—they’re a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. They fit seamlessly into every corner of your playground, transforming ordinary areas into dynamic environments ripe for exploration.
Let’s explore the balance balls and discover how they promote open-ended, unprescribed play while enriching your playground design and build.
What are Balance Balls?
Balance balls are innovative playground features made right here in New Zealand using top-quality TPV rubber granules. Their robust construction ensures longevity and safety, making them an excellent addition to any play space. Plus, with a high degree of customisation in colour, they can match any playground theme or colour palette you have in mind.
But balance balls are more than just colourful spheres—they introduce a playful challenge that encourages children to engage creatively with their environment. By incorporating various sizes and styles, you can create distinctive layouts that make these balls either the centrepiece of your playground or complementary features that enhance overall play value.
Types of Balance Balls
Balance balls come in several exciting varieties, each offering unique opportunities for imaginative play:
Fixed Balance Balls: Anchored securely to the ground, these balls provide a stable platform for balancing acts. They enrich the play area with a touch of predictability, allowing kids to build confidence as they master their balancing skills.
Tilt / Spin Balance Balls: Looking for an extra challenge? Our tilt and spin balance balls introduce movement, allowing for tilting and spinning. Children can engage with the play space in innovative ways, enhancing their balance and coordination while having a blast.
Half Balls: Perfect for younger children or as stepping stones, these semi-spherical elements serve as mini obstacles. They add depth and complexity to the playground landscape without overwhelming smaller kids.
How much do they cost?
Balance balls are an affordable way to enhance your playground design and build. Prices range from $640 to $4,800 (excluding installation). While these figures are indicative, actual costs depend on your playground’s design and the specific installation requirements to meet safety standards.
Remember, investing in balance balls isn’t just about adding equipment—it’s about enriching children’s play experiences and promoting holistic development.
Benefits of Balance Balls
Including balance balls in your playground isn’t just about adding new equipment—it’s about enriching the entire play experience. Here’s how they make a difference:
Promote Open-Ended Play: Balance balls encourage unprescribed play, allowing children to use their imagination and creativity. There’s no right or wrong way to interact with them, which fosters problem-solving skills and independent thinking.
Develop Key Skills: They support the development of balance, strength, and coordination. As kids navigate these spheres, they’re honing physical skills essential for healthy growth.
Encourage Social Interaction: Balance balls can become focal points where kids gather, collaborate, and engage in group play, enhancing their social skills and building friendships.
Introduce Managed Risk: They offer a safe environment for children to test their limits and explore their capabilities, which is crucial for building confidence and resilience.
Maximize Space Usage: Their versatility allows for placement near fall zones or in otherwise underutilized areas, optimizing every inch of your playground.
Customization Options to Suit Your Vision
At Creo, we understand that every play space is unique. That’s why we offer a variety of sizes and customization options:
Sizes: Choose from diameters ranging from 300mm to 700mm in both fixed and moving configurations, as well as half-ball options.
Colour Mixes: Personalize your balance balls with our colour options:
- Value Range: A 20% mix of your chosen colour combined with 80% black recycled rubber—an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
- Premium Range: A full 100% colour mix for a vibrant and standout feature.
Themes: Whether you’re aiming for a cosmic vibe with celestial bodies or a sporty atmosphere with balls resembling different sports, we can tailor the balance balls to fit your theme.
Check our colour mixer and play with the colour options you can have
Enhancing Play Spaces with Open-Ended, Unprescribed Play
Incorporating balance balls aligns perfectly with our philosophy of creating play spaces that encourage open-ended, unprescribed play. Unlike traditional equipment that dictates how it’s used, balance balls invite kids to invent their own games and challenges. This approach nurtures creativity, adaptability, and cognitive development.
By focusing on playspace design and build that promotes unstructured play, we’re fostering environments where children’s imaginations can soar. They learn to navigate risks, make decisions, and engage socially—all essential skills for their growth.
Conclusion
Balance balls are more than just playful additions; they’re essential components in crafting engaging, dynamic, and inclusive play spaces. They blend challenge with safety and offer extensive customization options, making them invaluable assets in modern playground design and build.
Whether you’re looking to add a new dimension to your play area or embarking on a complete redesign, consider the versatile and vibrant world of balance balls.
Let’s work together to create a playground where every child can discover, imagine, and grow. Check our PlayShapes range of balance balls and other critters and rubber creations: click here to see.
Learn more! Check some links below to see what we are up to.
Call us now to collaborate on your next Playground Design at 0800 000 334 or send an email to info@creospace.co.nz