Skeleton Park Arts Festival Accessibility Support Services

The essence of the program's purpose is to increase accessibility and continue to strive for as many
community members as possible to feel welcomed and supported at the Skeleton Park Arts Festival.

The program intends to serve festival community members needing mental health and addictions support.

Core activities will include:

1. Trained Mental Health and Addictions First Aid workers will be contracted throughout the June 19-21 2026 Festival timeframe (including overnight in the park), in collaboration with KFLA Addiction & Mental Health Services.

2. A festival calming tent that will include soft lighting (like lamps, fairy lights), comfortable seating (pillows, bean bags, blankets), calming sensory items (fidget toys, stress balls, weighted blankets), and optional activities (coloring pages, books, puzzles) to help individuals regulate and decompress in a quiet, safe space away from event crowds. Clearly marked signage indicating the location and purpose of the tent will be provided to help increase accessibility and to make guests feel more welcome.

Calming spaces are essential at events, in communities like the Skeleton Park neighbourhood, to support
mental well-being, prevent sensory overload, and promote inclusivity by providing a dedicated area for
attendees to decompress, recharge, and regulate their senses. These quiet zones enhance attendee
experience, improve focus and productivity, and signal that event organizers value attendee well-being,
making the event more welcoming and accessible to a wider audience.