Venues Parks & Arts hosts low sensory ice-skating event

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Venues Parks & Arts (VPA) hosted a low sensory ice-skating event Wed evening at Howard Park from 4-6 p.m.

The event was free of cost and aimed at the local neurodivergent and disabled community, creating a calmer, more inviting space for those with sensory issues.

“Attendance for us isn’t what we’re targeting this evening. It’s more so that we’re allowing families to enjoy the time on the ice and maybe get to experience something that they wouldn’t normally get to see on a regular basis,” said Director of Recreation for South Bend VPA, Macey Hanna.

To create a more tempered environment, VPA reduced ice traffic by selling less tickets than usual, turned down the normally loud music, and slowed down the ice-skating pace, among several other adjustments.

They also partnered with Lighthouse Autism Center and Beacon Children's Hospital who set up booths in a sensory area, where attendees could learn more about the organizations and take home sensory friendly toys.

“Really, it’s about listening to what our members are, the community wants and then us reacting to that. So, just the joy that we get to bring to everyone, that’s what I enjoy most about my job,” said Hanna.