A new sensory room for young children has opened at Energise Leisure Centre in York, offering families and community groups a space for sensory play and quieter activities.
The facility officially opened on 19 October and is intended for children under five. It features interactive lighting, sound panels, tactile equipment and sensory toys, allowing children to explore different sights, sounds and textures.
The room can be used during public sessions, through individual bookings and by community groups, and is also available for private hire.
The project received funding from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Natalie Thomas, GLL’s community sports manager for York: We want the room to be a welcoming space where children can explore, play and experience different sights, sounds and textures in a way that suits them.
The sensory room complements a recently opened two-storey soft-play facility at Energise, which includes a ball pool, twin slide and mini trampoline for children under five.
The leisure centre also has accessible swimming facilities, a hydrotherapy pool and inclusive swimming sessions.
David Skaith said the funding was intended to help more people access opportunities to be active and support their physical and mental health.
Information about the sensory room and soft play, including booking details, is available on the Energise Leisure Centre website.