Clayton Creates A Sensory-Friendly Way To Enjoy Holiday Tradition

CLAYTON, N.C. – Holiday traditions can bring bright lights and excited crowds with plenty happening all around. For some individuals and families, though, that kind of busy setting can make it harder to take part.

Clayton Parks and Recreation is creating another way to enjoy the season after receiving a $1,500 New Initiative Grant from the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association. The funding will help expand the annual Merry Municipal Express with a second evening designed with sensory needs in mind.

The sensory-friendly event will offer smaller crowds and a calmer setting. Participants will also have more time to board and enjoy the train. These changes are designed for people who may find large crowds or busy events overwhelming.

Clayton Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Lauren Box hopes this new evening will make participation more accessible for residents who may have missed similar events before.

“We want families to be able to share in the magic of the season together,” said Box. “Someone may have been interested in riding the Merry Municipal Express in previous years but felt it wasn’t accessible to them. We hope this new option allows more families to take part in a beloved Clayton holiday tradition.”

The grant supports new community programs and events that promote health and wellness while opening recreation opportunities to more people. In Clayton, the program reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for all members of the community.

Earlier this year, Clayton Parks and Recreation completed a year-long program through the National Inclusion Project’s Network of Inclusive Communities. Staff learned new ways to welcome people with different needs and began putting those ideas into practice along the way.

Residents have already seen some of those changes. Sensory Kits are available at Town activities and special events to help participants feel more comfortable. Noise-reducing headphones also gave people with sound sensitivities another way to enjoy Clayton’s Independence Day Fireworks Display.

Now, that same approach is being brought to Merry Municipal Express.

“Inclusion is not a one-time effort. It is an ongoing commitment,” said Box. “The more we learn about our community’s needs, the more we can adapt and expand opportunities for everyone to participate in the programs and traditions that make Clayton special.”

More details about the sensory-friendly Merry Municipal Express, including the date and how to participate, will be shared as plans are finalized. Residents can learn more by visiting claytonparks.org.