New sensory play space enhances Christchurch’s Southern Centre offerings

Christchurch City Council has advised that a new, fully accessible, sensory play space has been added to the City's popular multi-sensory facility, the Southern Centre, located at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre.

Southern Centre Team Leader Linda Healion shared “we often found people were using the back entrance while waiting for their session in the Southern Centre multi-sensory room.

“We decided the space was the perfect area to create plantings, artwork and sensory installations to supports visitors journey into the Southern Centre and again as they leave.”

The space features sensory play elements including talk tubes from one side of the space to the other, a wheelchair accessible picnic table, and planter boxes with built in seating.

The area has colourful panes, astroturf, and a painted mural across the walls leading to a tactile, sensory artwork.

“We wanted this space to attract a diverse group of people of all ages and abilities,” Healion added.

“The space is open to all who use the facility and promotes the idea of sensory play in everyday life, no matter who you are.”

The Southern Centre is a multi-sensory environment for people of all ages and abilities, particularly those who have learning differences, cerebral palsy, autism, multiple disabilities, anxiety or stress-related problems.

More information on the Southern Centre 

Image. Credit: Christchurch City Council