Getting ready forMesa Parks and Recreation sensory bins.
The City of Mesa's parks and recreation department is a Certified Autism Center. Sensory bins with fidget toys, communication tools and noise-cancelling headphones can be requested at the main desk of its recreation centers and aquatic facilities, and some of its venues have low sensory areas or quiet rooms.
Stay closeDobson Ranch Park: “The park is open and accessible to parking lots and some roads and features a pond that is openly accessible. These features may pose a risk or danger for individuals that may be drawn to water or tend to wander.”
The bins are for the city's programs too, not only for a drop-in visit: the city says they are available “at our programs and facilities.”
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More about Mesa Parks and Recreation sensory bins
Sensory bins with fidget toys, communication tools and noise-cancelling headphones can be requested at the main desk of Mesa recreation centers and aquatic facilities.
Some venues have low sensory areas or quiet rooms.
The department was the first parks and recreation agency in the world designated a Certified Autism Center, and staff training covers sensory awareness, communication and emotional awareness, among other topics.
Louder, in the city's words
Dobson Ranch Park playground (“Visitors may hear loud noises from the “instruments” in addition to the typical playground noises.”)not stated
Skyline Aquatic Center play area (sound 4 of 10) (“Water bucket may dump at unexpected times”)
Quieter, in the city's words
Cozy Cocoon at Dobson Ranch Park (sound 2 of 10)quiet zone
The IBCCES Sensory Guide scores each attraction at six sites from 1 (low sensory stimulation) to 10 (high). At Dobson Ranch Park it lists the Cozy Cocoon and Saddle Spinner “for children who need a quiet space,” and notes the area can be noisy from birds.
Adaptive Recreation offers sports, outdoor recreation, social clubs, special interest classes and school break camps for youth and adults with developmental disabilities; the department also lists discounts, scholarships and a refund policy.
Inclusion Services helps people with disabilities take part in the same programs as everyone else, with reasonable modifications such as enhanced staff to participant ratios and adaptive equipment. The same minimum requirements apply as for anyone: meeting the program's age and registration requirements, following the rules of conduct, voluntary participation (aided and encouraged, but not forced), a consistent way to communicate basic needs and follow simple directions, being able to tolerate and function, with assistance, as a member of a large social group (12 or more people), and taking part in scheduled activities most of the time. Inclusion services don't include: a separate area or alternate activity for a significant portion (more than 25%) of the program; exceptions to the program rules set for everyone's safety; hiring, choosing or guaranteeing a specific staff member; individualized therapy within a program; or providing or buying a personal custom device. Share any needs through registration or in person with on-site staff on the day.
