Roller skating rinks typically conjure nostalgic memories of dark, neon lit rooms with spinning disco balls flinging light over groups of skaters and the smell of old popcorn and spilled slushies embedded in patterned carpet.
A new skating rink, 4Play Skate Lounge, in Sunset Park’s Industry City, rejects this environment, offering instead a skating sanctuary for neurodivergent people sensitive to overstimulation.
“I found that a lot of the recreational spaces that are available aren’t really set up to support people with neurodiversities or even different physical abilities,” said Jennifer Scott, the founder of 4Play.
Oftentimes, people on the autism spectrum can suffer sensory overload, where the various components that create our environments—noise, light, touch—become overwhelming.
With natural light, neutral colors, and quieter music, 4Play creates a space where all skaters can feel welcome. The rink also offers headphones for those with sound sensitivities. During 4Play’s “Sensory Safe Hours,” skaters will find the lights dimmed and the music lowered.
“A lot of the mission of this location is about making roller skating accessible and equitable,” Scott said.
This mission is personal for Scott: a lot of her inspiration comes from growing up with her neurodiverse nonverbal cousin. After seeing the limited amount of recreational activities available to her cousin, Scott knew she wanted to make roller skating more accessible.
Along with providing neurodivergent people a calmer environment for skating, 4Play also aims to include people with different physical abilities. To do this, it offers “Skate Assist,” a kind of rolling walker for people wobbly on skates.
“I want everyone to enjoy the thrill and the feels of roller skating,” Scott said.
