Kids gym that promotes inclusion, caters to special needs opens in Clovis
A children’s gym that welcomes kids of all ages and abilities — but especially caters to youths with special needs — is set to debut this weekend.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Clovis will hold its grand opening Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., becoming the first sensory gym franchise in the central San Joaquin Valley that focuses on providing a fun and entertaining experience for children with special healthcare needs.
According to kidsdata.org, Fresno County has an estimated 12.7% of children (0-17) who live with special health care needs, including those with autism. Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus and Tulare counties have a 13.4% kids population with special needs healthcare.
“Our motivation in opening this is we believe the Central Valley deserves a place like this — where there’s no judgment,” said Chris Reyes, who along with his wife were inspired to open a We Rock the Spectrum gym in part because their two children have autism. “It’s a place for everyone to belong and to enjoy and play with each other.”
Located at the southwest corner of the Bullard and Minnewawa avenues intersection and just east a Highway 168 exit, We Rock the Spectrum in Clovis occupies roughly 5,800 square feet of space and has been renovated from ceiling to floor with sensory processing in mind.
There are swings and a slide and a rock climbing wall, as well as a zip line and trampoline among the main fun attractions.
The play area has been padded on the floor and the ceiling is lit with recessed lighting — rather than fluorescent lighting, which is considered highly detrimental to children with autism.
There’s also a separate calming room that’s dimly lit but still has some fun features of its own, including a variety of touch sensory pads on the wall, and headphones to help reduce noise.
We Rock the Spectrum also has a separate video game room and classroom area, which will also be used for private parties.
Back out in the main play area, there’s also an infant and toddler area filled with small chairs and a couple of tables, and a variety of toys.
Parents stay with their children and can either interact with them in the play area or watch from the waiting area next to the entrance.
Reyes said his children got to enjoy attending a We Rock the Spectrum gym when the family lived in Los Angeles. But when they moved to Fresno four years ago, they quickly discovered there was no We Rock the Spectrum gym locally and other kid play places were sometimes too stimulating for their children.
“We really fell like it’s part of our life mission to bring something like this here,” Reyes. “Besides the awesome swings and slides, and all the other fun things, I think the most important feature here is that everyone gets to enjoy inclusivity.”
For Saturday’s grand opening, cartoon characters Bluey, Bing, Spider-Man and some KPop Demon Hunters are all to attend.
Cost is $19 for children, and adults are free.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym also offers multiple play visit pricing and monthly memberships. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times during open play.
There is no age limit for children with special needs. For neuro-typical children, ages are 12 and under.
