Ball pits in public playgrounds
About this good practice
Many municipalities across Estonia have joined the project, and in the city of Tartu, ball containers have been placed at 14 sports fields. The use of the ball containers is free for citizens and reduces the need to purchase sports equipment individually.
The ball containers include basketballs, volleyballs, and footballs, depending on the specific facilities available at each sports ground. The maintenance of the ball containers is usually assigned either to the nearest school or other local government institution.
As a result, the project helps decrease the production of goods and introduces citizens to the principles of the sharing economy. Additionally, it promotes healthy lifestyles, increases access to sports services for vulnerable social groups, empowers social inclusion, and strengthens communities.
Resources needed
A one-time cost for acquiring and installing 20 containers with balls would be approx. 15,000 €. Recurring expenses - working hours of a supervisor for maintaining the container and equipment, as well as the cost of replacing broken or missing equipment- will be around 5,000 € per year.
Evidence of success
Due to the lack of an objective methodology, it is difficult to determine exactly how much the ball pits have reduced excessive consumption. However, based on subjective observation (data provided by the field managers), the frequency of use of the sports grounds has increased, and the ball containers are in daily use. Schools where the containers were installed next to their sports grounds consider the project a 100% success and express a strong desire for its continuation.
Potential for learning or transfer
The project is fully transferable to other regions. Considering that the Estonian climate allows for effective use of the ball pits for only about five months a year, it can be expected that in other regions, the ball containers could have an even greater impact.
Further information
Images
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.