Finally a place where you never have to say I’m sorry… Could there be a better motto for a children’s play space? Fun, safety, and most importantly inclusion are the driving forces behind the We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Greenwood.
Opened in July 2016, the gym “provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills.” The gym offers purposeful play for children of all abilities and of all ages.
Amy Phillips, a special education teacher, and her husband Nick Phillips opened the gym earlier this year. This endeavor has proven to be a labor of love, and the two spent all of their “free” time at the gym. Amy is a full-time special education teacher at Perry Meridian Middle School, and Nick works in the corporate world. And when the two aren’t busy working their primary jobs and raising their four daughters, they are devoted to making We Rock the Spectrum a “safe place where kids of all ages and abilities can play together.”
The equipment at the gym is tailored to children with sensory issues; however, children of all abilities will surely enjoy the multiple swings, the zip lines, the rope climbing wall, and the trampoline. Amy Phillips emphasized the fact that We Rock the Spectrum is not just a special needs gym.
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It is certainly a much more intimate and less intimidating environment than other play spaces, which along with the emphasis on safety, does make it ideal for kids with sensory issues and developmental disabilities. Given Amy’s professional background, she feels very passionately about inclusive play, and felt that Greenwood was lacking this type of service in the community.
The gym is truly a fun experience for kids. On a Saturday visit, kids were busy riding the mini roller coaster, cruising along on the zip line, and swinging contentedly in a hammock, and constructing a train set. Amy was sure to point out that while they were playing they were also working on balance, coordination, motor skills, and social interaction.
Additionally, the gym features a serene calming room for kids to retreat to when they are feeling overwhelmed. There is an arts and crafts station, and a multi-purpose room for classes, snacks, parties, and other private events. Guests are welcome to bring snacks and lunches to eat in the room during breaks from play.
In addition to Open Play hours, the gym offers a range of classes such as Tumbling, Music and Movement, and Social Skills. As if more enticement was needed to visit, the gym features a gift shop full of a wide range of Melissa and Doug products.
“Seeing the kids smile and enjoy themselves has made this all worth it,” Amy Phillips said.
MORE INFO: We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym is located at 210 S Emerson Ave d in Greenwood. Open Play costs $9 for 3 hours of play. Group rate for open play (5 or more kids) is $8. Call {317} 300-0632 or for classes, rates, and the most up-to-date information, check their Facebook page.
