Assistive Bocce Ball Ramp

This adaptive bocce ball ramp was designed to make bocce more accessible, inclusive, and independently achievable for individuals! Our goal for this project was to create a low‑cost, customizable assistive device that supports participation in recreational activities — especially for individuals who benefit from modified equipment.

In this Instructable, we walk through the materials, measurements, and assembly process for constructing the ramp, as well as design considerations that informed its shape, height, and adjustability.

tri-wall cardboard

box cutter/utility knife

clamps

masking tape

dril

white glue

hot glue

pencil

measure thing

primer

black paint

waterproofing tape

Scissors

cup for water/paint

paint brushes or foam brushes

PVC pipe

optional sticker with the company's logo

Begin by cutting four 12" × 12" squares from the tri‑wall cardboard. All four pieces should be identical in size and shape. These squares will form the bottom layers of the ramp structure, so make sure your cuts are straight, and the edges line up cleanly.

Choose two of the cardboard squares and cut a slot in each one. Each slot should measure 8" × ½" and be centered along one edge. These openings allow for the actual ramp sides to fit in once assembled.

The two cut boxes will be stacked on top of the two uncut boxes.

Next, cut three rectangular panels from the tri‑wall cardboard. These pieces will form the angled surfaces and structural sides of the ramp.

1. 8" × 9" rectangle
2. 8" × 19" rectangle
3. 8" × 15.5" rectangle

All three rectangles should maintain the full 8-inch width to ensure the ramp aligns properly during assembly.

These panels will be used later to create the ramp’s s side supports.

Cut two identical slope pieces from the tri‑wall cardboard. Each piece should measure 24" tall and 8" wide along the entire length. These long panels will form the main angled sides of the ramp.

Make sure both pieces match exactly in size—this ensures the ramp sits evenly and the ball rolls smoothly.

Begin assembling the base by pairing the cardboard squares:

1. Glue each slotted square onto an unslotted square. You should end up with two-layered base pieces, each made of one slotted top layer and one solid bottom layer. Use clamps to hold squares together.
2. Once the glue has set, slide the two long slope panels (24" × 8") into the slots on the top surfaces of the base pieces. Apply hot glue or white glue along the edges to secure them in place. These tall panels form the angled sides of the ramp.

Use the three rectangular panels you cut earlier to create the stabilized portion of the ramp.

1. The 8" × 19" piece forms the back support.
2. The 8" × 15.5" piece serves as the front stabilizer, positioned closer to the user.
3. The 8" × 9" piece acts as the center brace, connecting the two supports and adding rigidity.

Arrange the three rectangles, and once you’re satisfied with the alignment, glue each panel securely in place along the sides of the slope. Hold or clamp the pieces until the glue sets to ensure everything dries.

To create the holes along the sides of the ramp where the peg will sit to hold the PVC pipe, begin by measuring and marking the placement of each circle on both slope pieces.

Each slope piece will have four circles:

1. 2" diameter
2. 2" apart from each other (center‑to‑center)
3. 2" down from the top edge

Use a pencil to mark the center points first, then trace the 2" circles. Once everything is measured and aligned, carefully drill out each circle.

Design and 3D‑print a peg that fits smoothly into the 2" diameter holes on the slope pieces. The peg should slide in easily, but still have enough clearance to attach Velcro to it. This Velcro will secure the PVC pipe to the peg for added stability during use.

Cover the entire ramp with waterproof tape, making sure to seal every edge and seam.

Once the entire ramp is covered in waterproof tape, apply a full coat of primer over all exterior surfaces.

Use a brush or foam roller to cover:

1. The slope surfaces
2. The stabilizing panels
3. All taped edges and corners
4. The outer sides of the base

Once the primer is fully dry, apply two coats of black paint to the entire ramp. Use a brush or foam roller to create an even, smooth finish.

After the paint has fully dried, apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the surface. Polyurethane adds a smooth, sealed finish that helps the ramp withstand repeated use and prevents the paint from chipping or wearing down.

We cut the company’s logo using a Cricut and placed the sticker onto the painted and sealed surface of the ramp, smoothing out any bubbles so it lay completely flat.

Once the sticker is firmly adhered, brush on one additional layer of polyurethane directly over the logo.

Place a strip of Velcro on the PVC pipe, then attach the matching Velcro piece to the 3D‑printed peg. This allows the pipe to fasten to the peg while still being easy to remove or adjust.

Slide the PVC pipe onto the peg and press the Velcro together to keep the pipe in place during use.

To prevent the pipe from sliding or shifting, apply a small piece of Dycem to the base of the pipe where it contacts the ramp surface.

Your ramp is fully assembled, sealed, painted, customized, and outfitted with its adjustable PVC release system!!