Mayoral funding brings a calm, light-filled play space to the Acomb leisure centre, complementing its new soft play for under-fives

York’s under-fives have a new place to explore after a purpose-built sensory room opened at Energise Leisure Centre, paid for with funding from the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The room, which welcomed its first young visitors on 19 October, has been created by GLL, the charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-operative that runs the centre under its Better brand. It is designed as an adaptable, unhurried space where children can respond to light, sound, touch and scent at their own pace.

Among the equipment are an interactive snowflake tube, glowing construction blocks, an infinity wall panel, a colour-changing wall wash controlled by WiFi, a combined sound-and-light panel, a tactile wall board and a sensory bead ball, with bean bags for those who would rather simply sit and watch.

Families can use the room during public sessions or book a slot, while community groups can arrange their own visits and the space is also available for private hire.

It sits alongside the centre’s recently opened two-storey soft play for under-fives, with its ball pool, twin slide and mini trampoline, so children can move between boisterous and quieter play. GLL says the pairing helps build coordination, strength, motor skills and confidence, as well as social skills and emotional wellbeing.

Space to suit every child

For Natalie Thomas, GLL’s Community Sports Manager for York, flexibility is the point. “Whether someone wants to be active and explore the equipment or simply spend some quieter time in a calm environment, the room can be adapted to support different needs and preferences,” she said, thanking the Mayor and the Combined Authority for making the project possible.

The Mayor spoke from personal experience. “Sport changed my life and saved my life,” said Mr Skaith. “I want more people to have the same opportunities to lead more active lives, improving their physical and mental health.”

He described the room as an example of backing grassroots ambition, adding that movement and activity play a significant part in improving mental health and tackling social isolation for people of all ages and abilities.

The new room extends an already inclusive offer at Energise, which includes accessible swimming facilities, a hydrotherapy pool and dedicated inclusive swimming sessions. Its newest visitors may be the smallest yet, but they are unlikely to be the quietest.

Details of sessions and booking are at www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/york/energise/soft-play