New 'Calm Cove' offers respite for those with sensory needs

On March 6, the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism invited residents to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Calm Cove Sensory Space.

The Calm Cove Sensory Space is an area at Elite Gymnastics & Recreation Center in Waldorf that provides multi-sensory resources to support people with sensory needs and captivate participants in fun and engaging activities.

The space can be stimulating or calming depending on the user’s needs, and claims to be able to stimulate all five of the senses, according to the recreation department’s website.

Commissioner Ralph E. Patterson II (D), Acting County Administrator Deborah Hall and Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Kelli Beavers were among the attendees of the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Patterson offered Brandon Morgan, a therapeutic recreation specialist who played a large role in establishing the Calm Cove Sensory Space, an official citation from the Charles County commissioners congratulating him for the opening.

“I love kids,” Hall said in her opening remarks, underscoring how happy she was to see the creation of a space in the community for those with special needs.

Hall talked about how budget meetings with other departments usually do not take the amount of time allotted, but it is not the case with Beavers and the recreation, parks and tourism department. She commended Beavers for nearly always maximizing the time she’s given in the meetings to ensure that her department receives the necessary money to create experiences like the Calm Cove Sensory Space.

By the time the ribbon was cut, children were eager to explore all the features, including a massage chair, a ball pit, bean bag chairs and various toys meant to help stimulate the senses. The room also has different lighting available to help set moods.

There is a $5 drop-in fee for people to enter the space, which is RecPass eligible. The Calm Cove is open on Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

To learn more about the Calm Cove Sensory Space, visit www.charlescountyparks.com.