Community Event
SplashAbility
Sensory-Sensitive Swimming
A free, sensory-friendly swimming experience hosted by the City of Santa Clarita — designed so every family can enjoy the water in a safe, calm, and welcoming environment.
About This Event
A Pool Day Every Family Can Enjoy
SplashAbility is a sensory-sensitive swimming event hosted by the City of Santa Clarita, designed specifically for individuals with special needs and their families. The event takes over Newhall Park Pool for a two-hour window, transforming it into a calmer, quieter, and more supportive aquatic environment than a typical public swim session.
The pool environment is thoughtfully modified: crowds are limited to keep numbers small and manageable, water features are reduced or turned off to lower noise levels, and the water temperature is kept warmer for comfort. Lifeguard staffing is increased well beyond normal ratios so every swimmer has closer supervision, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and pressure-free.
This isn't a lesson or a therapy session — it's simply a chance for families with special-needs children to enjoy a day at the pool without the sensory overwhelm that a standard public swim can bring. Whether your child has autism, sensory processing differences, physical disabilities, or any condition that makes a busy pool challenging, SplashAbility is designed for you.
Sam Silver, a Special Olympics coach and longtime advocate for special-needs families in the Santa Clarita Valley, says events like this are exactly what make the SCV community special. "When the city puts on something like SplashAbility, it tells you a lot about the kind of community we live in — one that doesn't just talk about inclusion, it builds programs around it."
Event Details
Date
Friday, July 10, 2026
Time
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location
Newhall Park Pool
Newhall Park · Newhall, CA
Cost
Free
Hosted By
City of Santa Clarita
What Makes SplashAbility Different
Every detail of this event is planned with sensory-sensitive individuals in mind. Here's what families can expect.
Smaller Crowds
Attendance is intentionally limited to keep the pool environment calm and uncrowded. Fewer people in the water means less sensory input, more personal space, and a more relaxed experience for every swimmer.
Lower Noise Levels
Splash pads, fountains, and loud water features are reduced or turned off during the event. The result is a noticeably quieter pool environment — no echoing splashes, no screaming crowds, just calm water.
Relaxed Atmosphere
There's no schedule to follow, no structured activities to keep up with. Families can enter the water at their own pace, stay as long as they're comfortable, and enjoy the pool without pressure or expectations.
Warmer Water
The pool water is heated to a warmer temperature than standard public swim sessions. Warmer water is more comfortable and less startling for individuals with sensory sensitivities, making the water experience more enjoyable.
Reduced Water Features
Water slides, dumping buckets, sprayers, and other high-stimulation features are scaled back or disabled. The water environment stays predictable, which makes it easier for individuals who are sensitive to unexpected sensations.
Extra Lifeguard Support
The City of Santa Clarita stations additional lifeguards during SplashAbility — well above normal staffing ratios. This means closer supervision, faster response times, and peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
For Every Family
Who Should Attend?
SplashAbility is designed for individuals of all ages with special needs and their families. This includes children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and any condition that makes a typical public pool experience overwhelming.
Caregivers, siblings, and family members are all welcome. The event is about creating a shared, enjoyable pool experience where everyone can participate at their own comfort level — whether that means wading in the shallow end, sitting on the pool deck, or swimming laps in the deep end.
As a Special Olympics coach, Sam sees firsthand how meaningful accessible recreational opportunities are for special-needs families. "Inclusion isn't just a word — it's a pool temperature, a noise level, a staffing ratio. SplashAbility gets all of those details right, and families notice."
SplashAbility at a Glance
Sam's Note
"If your family has been avoiding pool days because the sensory environment is too much, this is the event to try. It's free, it's safe, and it's designed with your family in mind."
Tips for Making the Most of SplashAbility
Arrive a Few Minutes Early
Give your family time to acclimate to the pool area before getting in the water. The first 10 minutes of observation can make a big difference for sensory-sensitive individuals.
Bring Comfort Items
Favorite floaties, goggles, pool toys, or any comfort items that help your child feel secure. The event is designed to be welcoming — bring whatever helps your family relax.
Dress for Comfort
Rash guards, swim diapers, water shoes — whatever your child is most comfortable wearing in the water. There are no dress requirements, just come as you are.
No Rush to Leave
The two-hour window is yours. If your family needs 30 minutes or the full two hours, there is no pressure. Leave whenever it feels right for your group.
More Community Events in SCV
SplashAbility is one of many community events that make Santa Clarita Valley a wonderful place for families. Check out the full events calendar for more happenings around the valley.
All information on this site is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. © 2026 Sam Silver · SCV Life