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Resident asks city to fund sensory swim hour for autistic children; staff to review request
Summary
A resident asked the council to add $12,000 to the parks and recreation budget so Lenexa Aquatic Center can offer a dedicated sensory swim hour for children with autism. City staff said they would review the request and respond after the meeting.
A Lenexa resident told the City Council the Lenexa Aquatic Center and a KU-affiliated sensory swim program have waiting lists and urged the city to fund a dedicated, low-stimulation swim hour for children with autism.
Nancy Schneider said the KU Sensory program’s classes fill seconds after they are posted and that her granddaughter has been unable to secure a spot for two years. Schneider asked the council to include $12,000 in the parks and recreation budget to pay for additional lifeguards and staff to run an exclusive one-hour weekly session for autistic children at one of the city pools.
Why it matters: drowning is a leading cause of death for children with autism, and families and advocates often request specialized lessons and quieter pool environments. Schneider said an exclusive hour would reduce risks and allow focused instruction.
Council response: Council members said they would need to review staffing and budget implications. City staff said they could not answer at the meeting and would follow up after researching cost and operational feasibility.
Status: Request is under review; no budget amendment or commitment was made during the meeting.
