Zensory Zone Van
The City of Pompano Beach is committed to accessibility and inclusivity in our community. We recognize the barriers that may overwhelm those who face sensory processing challenges and are here to help. We aim to provide a calming environment for overstimulated individuals at city-wide events with our ZENsory Zone Van!
The ZENsory Zone van creates a calming atmosphere that provides relief from noises, lights and large crowds. The van is equipped with air conditioning, low ambient lighting, multisensory seating and sensory tools which create the perfect safe space to regroup and decompress. A variety of sensory tools are provided for relief including fidget tubes, tactile books, stress balls and more. The van also provides comfortable seating as well as a foam crash pad featuring a weighted blanket & pillow for deep pressure stimulation.
This one-of-a-kind van is the perfect safe space for those who need a few moments to regroup and decompress!
Key ZENsory Zone Van Features:
- Low Lighting
- Multisensory Seating
- Tactile & Sensory Toys
- Air Conditioning
Complimentary noise cancelling headphones available for the duration of the event *ID required*
**Please note the ZENsory zone is specifically for guests who may become overwhelmed or overstimulated and are in need of relief. Use of the ZENsory zone for play will not be permitted. Please be considerate and mindful of others.**
For more information on the ZENsory Zone, please contact our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Demi Rivera at Demi.Rivera@copbfl.com.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and the City of Pompano is leading the way in creating an autism-friendly community. With 80% of our department staff trained on autism-related topics, we're fostering understanding and acceptance. Our commitment extends to creating sensory friendly spaces at city events, offering a Zensory Zone van and noise-canceling headphones. Over the past year we offered tailored programs such as Special Olympics Little Elites, Adaptive Tennis, and Disc Golf fostering a sense of belonging. Our inclusive events like Peace Out Summer, Deck the Halls and Island Breeze Bash provide opportunities for everyone to participate. Plus, inclusion support is woven into existing city programs like after school care, summer camp and Swim Central. Celebrate with us as we embrace this month with open hearts and minds recognizing the unique talents and strengths of individuals on the spectrum!
Check out our ZENsory Zone!
Visit me at these upcoming events:
- Mar 23 | Community Park
- April 13 | Community Park
Visit this page to see all of our upcoming Adaptive & Inclusive Programs!
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in programs, services, and activities must contact the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at 954-786-7841 or at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled program or event.
Meet our Therapeutic Recreation Specialist!
My name is Demi Rivera and I am the new Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with the City of Pompano Beach! I was born and raised in Miami, FL and graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Sports Management with a focus in Recreational Therapy. I have several years of professional and personal experience working in a variety of settings like schools, summer camps and parks and recreation. with wide range of individuals with disabilities. My role as the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is to provide department wide inclusion and adaptive opportunities for programs and events. My goal is to build a division that combines exceptional customer service with compassion in programming for individuals with and without disabilities. I am a firm believer in inclusivity and acceptance for all, and it is my personal mission to offer support and tools to give members of our community facing different barriers an opportunity to experience events, recreation and leisure activities. In an effort to make the entire Parks & Recreation Department inclusive and accessible to those with disabilities we have accomplished the below:
- Certified 80% of our staff in Autism Training!
- The Autism Society of South Florida designated the City of Pompano Beach as an Autism Friendly City!
- Created a one- of- a- kind ZENsory Zone!
I am excited to continue implementing policies, programs, and modifications to our services that will best serve populations that need it.
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