New Sensory Play Center Opens In Shelton

SHELTON, CT — Sensory Play Center, a new nonprofit sensory gym created to support neurodiverse children and their families, officially opened earlier this month in Shelton.

Founded by Shelton teachers Martha Parkins, who has since retired, and Michele Lovallo, the center was created to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space where children of all abilities can play, learn and thrive through sensory-rich experiences, according to additional press materials provided by Sensory Play Center.

The center held its grand opening July 17 at 375 Bridgeport Avenue following more than a year of planning, fundraising and community support.

"Shelton was the perfect location because we saw a growing need within our community as the number of students with special needs continued to increase in our schools," Lovallo said in an email to Patch. "We also chose Bridgeport Avenue because it is a high-traffic, easily accessible location for families throughout the area."

According to press materials, the center was created to give children of all abilities a welcoming space to learn, grow and thrive through play, with sensory-friendly equipment and activities designed to meet a wide range of developmental and accessibility needs.

"Every piece of sensory equipment in our center has a purpose for children with sensory processing differences," Lovallo said. "We consulted with an occupational therapist when selecting our equipment, and many of these items are the same types of tools you would find in an OT clinic."

Lovallo said the idea for the center began with her daughter.

"My daughter loved going to occupational therapy because the equipment helped regulate her body while allowing her to have fun," Lovallo said. "We wanted to create a space where more families could experience those same benefits outside of therapy."

In addition to open play, story time and crafts, Sensory Play Center also hosts Caregivers & Coffee events and a Teen LEGO Club.

"We intentionally limit each 90-minute session to just 15 children," Lovallo said, "with parents or caregivers staying during the visit to ensure a calm, sensory-friendly experience for everyone...our center welcomes all neurodivergent children and teens, and we will also be offering dedicated 18+ sessions so adults can enjoy the space as well. While our programs are designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind, everyone is welcome to visit and experience our center."

Lovallo encouraged families to reserve their sessions through the center's website to guarantee availability.

As the center continues to grow, Lovallo and Parkins plan to add more programs, social groups and educational workshops for parents and caregivers, Lovallo said.

Press materials note the organization is committed to building a stronger, more accessible community through play and supports its mission, in part, through the Community Access Fund.

"We are a nonprofit organization," Lovallo said, "so donations are essential in helping us continue our mission and keep our doors open."

Since opening earlier this month, the community's response to the center has been incredibly positive, according to Lovallo.

"We've had parents become emotional because they are so grateful to finally have a place where their children and families feel welcomed, accepted and understood," Lovallo said. "Seeing families feel comfortable and supported has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey."

Overall, Lovallo said it feels amazing to finally open the doors to the center and watch families enjoy the space she and Parkins worked so hard to create.

"Seeing children smile, play and feel successful in an environment designed just for them," Lovallo said, "makes all of the hard work worthwhile."

More information about Sensory Play Center and its programs is available here.