Step inside the Rockingham County Recreation Center to find something unexpected: a glowing forest, alive with light, color, and creativity. Designed in partnership with School Specialty, this new sensory room brings the outdoors in — and cranks up the imagination.
The space was created to offer kids a calming, immersive environment where sensory play meets natural wonder. School Specialty led the overall design, weaving in their signature Snoezelen® sensory tools, while the larger-than-life scenic elements were custom-built to complete the magic.
At the heart of the room: three sculpted trees, each one packed with sensory surprises. Two of the trees feature fiber optic lights that dangle like glowing vines and color-changing light bars that pulse softly through the trunks. When the lights go down, the room starts to shimmer.
The third tree takes it a step further — with an archway entry leading to a hidden sensory nook tucked inside the trunk. It’s not just a tree, it’s a portal to an arboreal oasis.
No forest is complete without a cozy campfire — so a sculpted faux campfire was added for visual warmth and imaginative play. Nearby, a custom wood play deck with a slide gives kids a place to climb, move, and explore.
Surrounding it all: lush wall-to-wall murals of forest scenes, wrapping the room in deep greens and earthy tones that ground the whole experience.
This space is designed to shine in the dark. As overhead lights dim, the sensory elements take over — with color, motion, and glow transforming the room into a calming indoor woodland. It’s not just decoration — it’s therapy, play, and magic rolled into one.
This project was another creative team-up with School Specialty, who brought their design vision and sensory expertise to the table. The result: a space that doesn’t just look good — it feels good to be in.
Mission accomplished: sensory success.
Dreaming of a space like this?
Wacky World Studios specializes in creating immersive environments that inspire kids to explore, imagine, and learn. From sculpted storybook trees to full-scale themed rooms, we can bring your space to life!
This article was co-written with human creatives and AI tools. Photo/video credits: Wacky World Studios.