Northlandz Creates Sensory-Supportive Relaxation Area

FLEMINGTON, NJ — Northlandz has created a sensory-supportive relaxation area in an effort to welcome those impacted by autism and other sensory-processing challenges.

Northlandz created the 300-square-foot "Inclusion Zone" that offers comfortable seating, a variety of soothing textures, weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, and other sensory toys and tools for all ages and abilities. It was developed in partnership with Inclusion Festival.

Northlandz staff also participated in an Inclusion Training, led by Inclusion Festival co-founder and speech-language therapist Amy Pinder. The training is designed to help employees better understand and respond to individuals with special needs.

In the future Northlandz will soon offer other accommodations including a user-friendly guide to the facility and a "Social Story," which is a learning tool that helps individuals with autism and other sensitivities better understand what to expect in a situation.

Along with the sensory friendly area, Northlandz has installed new flooring, fresh paint, and renovations to the detailed train displays.

Located in Flemington, the Northlandz complex is the world’s largest miniature railroad spread over 52,000 square feet with 8 miles of miniature railroad tracks featuring hundreds of model trains passing through miniature cities, mountains, and rivers. It also features an art gallery, doll display, and outdoor train ride spanning 12 acres of land.

The facility also offers private conference rooms for birthday parties, corporate meetings, showers, anniversaries, and other private events. There is a full-size theater and a large play area for children located near the Inclusion Zone.

A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new features will take place on Thursday Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

To learn more about Inclusion Festival and their Sensory-Friendly Project, visit
inclusionfestival.com. For more information about Northlandz, and to plan a trip, visit
northlandz.com or call 908-782-4022. Northlandz is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Tuesdays), and is located at 495 Route 202 in Flemington.

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