City of Crown Point ‘resets’ and ‘recharges’ community through Mobile Sensory Hub

The City of Crown Point is proudly pioneering a collaborative effort to alleviate sensory overload. The launching of the Mobile Sensory Hub, a 300-square-foot mobile trailer, is evolving into a city-wide initiative to create a mobile sensory room for individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other conditions.

“The Crown Point Mobile Sensory Hub was inspired by my program, Ben’s Blue Bags, which provides sensory bags to first and second responders, improving their training for emergency events. The goal is to help calm down those who are special needs and overstimulated,” said Crown Point Fire Department Captain Matt Kodicek.

Kodicek recognized the need for a space in Crown Point that could support both everyday use and preventative care. The idea gained traction when a local mother, whose daughter has autism, suggested building a permanent sensory room at Bulldog Park. Space limitations made that plan impractical, prompting research into mobile sensory units. Working with Crown Point PACE Department Director Adam Graper, Kodicek helped transform a former fire life safety trailer into one of the largest sensory activation trailers in the country.

“A lot of the other hubs I have seen across the country are cargo trailers converted into one, single space,” Kodicek said. “With us, we were able to have a designated quiet area, and then the rest of the trailer would be areas for different activities.”

Designed as a mobile sanctuary for a variety of needs, from autism to PTSD, the hub’s interior features a soundproof quiet room, a light-up bubble wall, an interactive smartboard, tactile activities, and technology-controlled lighting, sound and temperature. The trailer can be transported to community events across the Region to bring resources to families whenever needed.

“As a father with a son on the spectrum, I know how hard it can be when events get too loud or overwhelming,” Kodicek said. “Families are often forced to leave, which is heartbreaking. Now, this trailer gives them a calm space to reset so they can stay, relax and enjoy the event together. That was our main focus in Crown Point, and we hope to share it with the rest of Northwest Indiana and beyond.”

Visitors must be accompanied by a caregiver, and cannot be dropped off or stay in the hub without adult supervision. Volunteers often have personal experience with sensory issues and operate the hub as a judgment-free zone, where all families can feel comfortable.

“We want people to stay at our events, enjoy themselves, and feel comfortable knowing there’s a place to regroup if things get overwhelming,” Graper said. “This project is not about money; it’s the result of blood, sweat, and tears from people across our community. It is something truly special. I am proud that Crown Point is leading the way with a resource that can make such a difference for families.”

Thanks to community donations, a trailer from the MAAC Foundation, and work from city staff, firefighters, electricians, designers, and volunteers, Crown Point created a unit that surpasses other hubs in size and versatility. The community response retains overwhelming positivity, with requests for the hub to appear at events across Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and beyond.

“This project has been one of the most special ones that I’ve worked on in over 20 years,” Graper said. “It took every walk of life to bring it together. From the firefighters and IT guys to the electricians, laborers, and donors big and small, this was an act of love. At the end of the day, seeing the kids and families use it makes every bit of effort worth it.”

The Mobile Sensory Hub is helping more families access safe, inclusive spaces to reset and recharge during community events. As the hub gains traction, the hope remains to inspire other communities to create similar projects to foster community-wide inclusion and accommodations.

To learn more about donation opportunities or information regarding Crown Point’s Mobile Sensory Hub, visit crownpoint.in.gov/575/Mobile-Sensory-Hub.