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Did you know that one in six individuals has a sensory need or an invisible disability, and common, unpreventable stimuli can overwhelm these individuals – certain sounds, harsh lights, large groups, and even particular smells – leaving them no choice but to withdraw from participation?
These resources below were designed to lessen sensory overload and create safe spaces, allowing people of all abilities to safely participate and thrive in our programs, events, and facilities. We are committed to continuing to expand our library of sensory resources to make Raleigh Parks a place for everyone to grow, learn, and play!
What they are:
Bags containing several tools intended to reduce overstimulation, such as:
- Headphones
- Sunglasses
- Fidget toys
- Communication cards
How they work:
If you see a sensory kit stand at our community centers or events, feel free to grab a bag and use the supplies as needed. Upon conclusion of the event or program, return it back to the stand, at which point staff will sanitize the items before the next use.
Where you can find them:
- Abbotts Creek Community Center
- Barwell Road Community Center
- Biltmore Hills Community Center
- Brier Creek Community Center
- Carolina Pines Community Center
- Greystone Recreation Center
- Halifax Community Center
- Jaycee Community Center
- John Chavis Memorial Park Community Center
- Lake Lynn Community Center
- Lions Park Community Center
- Marsh Creek Community Center
- Millbrook Community Center
- Method Community Center
- Pullen Community Center
- Roberts Community Center
- Tarboro Road Community Center
- Worthdale Community Center
- Walnut Creek Wetland Center
- Select Raleigh Parks events
- Select neighborhoods, community events, and community gathering places by way of the Community Engagement Van
What they are:
Play spaces and programs that naturally give way to calm, soothing play through the incorporation of various sensory-load-reducing elements, such as:
- Natural play features
- Murals
- Quiet spaces
- Calming music and movement
- Sensory-friendly arts and crafts
- Wildlife, plants, and blooms
Where you can find them:
- Durant Nature Preserve Sensory and Nature Play Garden
- Greystone Recreation Center – Sensory-Friendly Sundays
- Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park Sensory and Nature Play Space – Coming Soon!
- Walnut Creek Wetland Park Sensory and Nature Play Space – Coming Soon!
- Sertoma Art Center Playground Sensory Garden – Coming Soon!