Shelton, CT: Opening of "new all-inclusive Sensory Play Center"; "growing need"

May 21, 2026, Sensory Play Center opens in Shelton to support children with special needs and their families | fox61.com

SHELTON, Conn. — A nonprofit in Shelton is hard at work helping families navigate the unique challenges of raising children with special needs through the opening of its new all-inclusive Sensory Play Center.

The Sensory Play Center on Bridgeport Avenue aims to provide a welcoming, sensory-friendly environment where children of all abilities can play, learn and connect. Organizers say the mission goes beyond recreation - it is about creating a supportive community where families feel understood and included.

Program Director Michele Lovallo and Executive Director Martha Parkins say the idea for the center stemmed from a growing need within the community. Now, they're doing all they can to help as many families as possible. . . .

Parkins says the center intentionally limits capacity to maintain a calm, sensory-friendly atmosphere for children and families.

“Our capacity is always capped, so there’s always a low number of children in here, so it’s always sensory friendly,” she said. . . .

Organizers say they hope to continue expanding services and programming in the future to support people of all ages.