CNS –
An inclusive indoor playground is scheduled to be installed in the Toledo area in the spring.
Defying Odds Therapy Playspace is an indoor playground that brings together inclusive play and professional occupational therapy services. It is being built by pediatric occupational therapist Erica Zimmerman, who is also hiring personnel and purchasing equipment.
She announced the groundbreaking of a groundbreaking indoor playground and therapeutic center at 6544 W. Central Ave. in Sylvania Township, a place that will cater to youngsters with a wide range of skills.
“A common thing that I have consistently heard from parents is that there’s not a great place in Toledo for these kids to play,” said Ms. Zimmerman, who has been working in Toledo since 2018.
Her experience primarily involves working with pediatric patients, particularly those with autism, sensory processing disorder, or other disabilities and diagnoses. “Some of these children with these diagnoses may not even be welcome in a regular playground because they are so sensitive to sensory overload and overstimulation.”
The proposed venue will provide a variety of services, including sensory-friendly playdates, birthday parties, themed seminars, and drop-in play. Zumbini lessons, handwriting workshops, and private-pay occupational therapy sessions are accessible to families starting in February until the center opens fully in the spring.
“Our goal is to design a space that is accommodating to children with sensory needs,” stated Ms. Zimmerman. Consider a location such as a Get Air Trampoline park or Chuck E. Cheese. Large public spaces like this can be overwhelming for children with sensory processing disorders like autism due to their high levels of noise, bright lights, crowds, and echoes.
According to her, a sensory-friendly space would exude a more serene and inviting vibe. Using soothing pastels is part of our effort to avoid overwhelming the senses. We use soundproofing, fiber optic lighting, and soft music to create an environment that is warm and inviting for this community.
There will be fewer people, lower lighting, and quieter noise levels at the proposed facility.
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Moreover, according to Ms. Zimmerman, we will provide sound-canceling headphones for children who may have auditory processing issues and communication boards for nonverbal children who express themselves visually.
As it is currently being designed, the indoor play area will have elements including climbing frames, slides, swings, sensory rooms, and pretend play areas.
In addition, there will be a section for infants and toddlers and a cafe that encourages creativity with amenities like large tables with dry-erase surfaces.
It will undoubtedly alleviate a significant need in Toledo, particularly during the chilly and wet winter months. Erica Morgan, a doctor and mother of two from Toledo, said, “There aren’t many places to take your kids other than the Imagination Station and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.” Having a place for your child to play indoors, where they can interact with other children, is going to be fantastic.
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In her subsequent remarks, Dr. Morgan acknowledged that many parents find the area’s indoor facilities to be overstimulating due to its use of bright colors and loud noises. “It will be crucial for many of our children with sensory differences to have a space that is sensitive to the effects of those kinds of stimuli on children while also maintaining an environment that is more playful but calming.”
To ensure that the new interior space is designed to accommodate varied sensory needs, Ms. Zimmerman noted that she collaborated with local resident Chloe Rothschild.
The notion of communication boards, according to Ms. Zimmerman, was proposed by Ms. Rothschild.
The autistic woman, Ms. Rothschild, expressed her joy and pride in having her thoughts valued. Everyone in the neighborhood is going to have a blast at the playground. Everyone, no matter their family status, is welcome here. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing that place and witnessing the realization of some of my ideas.
When the center opens, families can enjoy unrestricted free play for $15 for the first kid and $9 for each subsequent sibling. Caregivers and children under 12 months old play for free. We will also provide flexible membership alternatives.
Send an email to [email protected] to arrange a private therapy appointment with Erica Zimmerman. Check out dotplayspace.com or follow @DOTPlayspace on Twitter and Instagram for more details.
Ms. Zimmerman stressed that although the center is intended for children younger than school age, individuals of all ages are welcome there.
“We would never reject a person because of their age,” stated Ms. Zimmerman. “Developmental requirements are given greater attention. Anyone who can use the area to their advantage, regardless of age, is welcome.