.jpg)
Airdrie's Genesis Place is making some scheduling changes to the public pool.
Every Sunday, from 7 - 9 a.m., is a sensory-sensitive time at Genesis Place. Facility music and pool water features are turned off to provide a calmer environment.
Dustin Horlacher, a local parent who has two kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), helped come up with the idea for the swim with the city.
"I was fortunate enough to get in contact with a few people. And one of the things I mentioned was getting sensory-friendly swimming and possibly skating in the future, just to make it accessible for children with ASD or other disabilities."
Horlacher is excited for his kids to have this experience in a place that might be more comfortable for them.
"It's an inclusive environment. It'll be great because it's a good place to go and let the kids go out and have fun."
He went on to explain why a sensory-friendly environment would be a good spot for his kids to enjoy a swim.
"I know a lot of children like mine, in particular, sometimes they have a hard time with the hustle and bustle and the loud noises that come with crowds and things like that."
Horlacher explained that while his kids can go swimming during regularly scheduled swims, it can be hit or miss with how they feel.
"Knowing that Sunday mornings, we can go there every week, they can have fun, and they can play with other kids is awesome. Hopefully, lots of other families and kids too can take advantage of this."
He went on to talk about some other sensory-friendly activities he hopes to set up in the future.
"I'd like to see a sensory-friendly bowling night or maybe set up a sensory-friendly movie night. I'd love to see it. I'd love to see more things in Airdrie for families and kids with ASD and other disabilities."
Horlacher finished off by saying he is currently working on times for a sensory-friendly skate with the City of Airdrie.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.