A sensory park, as the name implies, focuses on features that attract multiple senses of an individual. These are specialized parks for all kinds of visitors with special emphasis on children with disabilities. The purpose of such an initiative is to provide individual & combined sensory opportunities to users who may not normally experience them.
A sensory garden, for example, may contain features that are accessible to the disabled individual such as scented and edible plants, tactile sculptures and sculpted handrails, water features designed to make sound and play over the hands, textured touch-pads, magnifying-glass screens, braille signage and audio induction loop descriptions. Depending on the user group, other provisions may further integrate sound and music more centrally to combine the play needs of younger users with their sensory needs.
The Park department of Greater Chennai Corporation has proposed to establish a model sensory park at Santhome in GCC land. This park will be constructed under the Chennai Smart City Project, measuring around 1500 sqm. The park will be a way forward towards inclusive governance and recreational infrastructure for the citizens of Chennai. The design and layout of the park will provide a stimulating journey through the senses, heightening awareness, and bringing positive learning experiences.
The park will focus on features that cater to multiple senses of individuals. These specialized parks will have all kinds of visitors with special emphasis on children with special needs. The purpose of such these parks will be to provide individual and combined sensory opportunities to citizens who may not normally experience them. Let us look at some of goals of this project:
Encourage children with sensory processing issue
Create confidence in children with mobility impairment
Provide a platform for children with visual impairment to touch and feel
Offer essential elements in an inclusive play space
Meet the evolving needs of a child required for his all-round growth
The children of Chennai will play, have fun and learn
Children with special needs will be included and considered
The parks will lead to health and happiness of the citizens