Sensory suite addition celebrated at Eastwood field

NILES, Ohio (WKBN) – The Rich Center for Autism Sensory Suite at Eastwood Field is giving more families the opportunity to enjoy a Scrappers game with less worry.

The two organizations celebrated their partnership Friday with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The Sensory Suite was constructed with the guidance of the Rich Center for individuals and their families on the autism spectrum.

It’s open to anyone in the Mahoning Valley in need of its services. Since it launched in April, The Rich Center Sensory Suite has been occupied during every Scrappers home game.

“We know today that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with some form of autism and it’s so vitally important that we give those children an opportunity to participate in things like sports. So the sensory room we have here at Scrappers Field, that’s a great opportunity for them,” said Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson.

Following the ribbon cutting, Johnson threw out the first pitch celebrating the Rich Center’s lasting impact in the Valley.

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