New Marion gym offers judgment-free play space for children on autism spectrum
March 23,2026
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – A new gym in Marion is giving children on the autism spectrum and their parents a place to be themselves.
The We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is a space for children like Ivy Sylvester. While she hasn’t been diagnosed, her mother said Ivy has tendencies that can leave her feeling overstimulated.
“She’ll have fun but then she gets so worked up that even though she has this fantastic time, she’ll end up leaving in tears,” Allison Sylvester said.
The new space in Marion is a judgment-free zone where children with special needs can play freely. The gym features different swings, a rock wall and sensory-friendly toys. Ivy was a fan of the zip slider.
