This month, five Humboldt-based mothers and social impact leaders open the doors at Play Street in Eureka. The new community-centered space aims to be the first of its kind in Humboldt County — curated, inclusive, and sensory-adapted to serve children with developmental disabilities, autism and sensory processing disorders.
Play Street was founded on the idea that families living with disabilities deserve access, not just to resources, but to the sense of community that can feel so elusive when you’re raising a child who moves through the world differently. It’s no coincidence that the minds behind the nonprofit are all mothers. Shannon Townsend-Bettis, a former regulatory compliance professional and project manager; Sarah Van Wesep, a small business owner; Janet Wood, a social worker with deep roots in Humboldt’s disability services network; Emily Walker, a Humboldt local with a background in law enforcement; and Sara Hamilton, a grassroots organizing veteran, all bonded over their shared experience of raising young children with developmental disabilities. “Becoming a mom radicalized me in the best way,” says President and Executive Director Shannon. “We are so excited to curate a space that honors the amazing and indivisible connection between parents and caregivers and their children.”
“Spaces that support neurodivergent and disabled children often become gentler, safer, and more connected spaces for everyone,” says board member Sara. This sense of universality underpins every detail of Play Street’s design. The center draws on Snoezelen, a research-informed approach to sensory spaces that carefully modulates light, sound, and touch to support nervous system regulation without overwhelm. The center’s Blue Room is equipped with padded walls, monkey bars and swings, an interactive projector, a vibroacoustic ball pit, and a ceiling-high color-changing lava tube. Strict capacity limits ensure a controlled, intimate experience. A coffee corner serves as an oasis where parents and caregivers can relax while remaining close. The Orange Room is a rest and play space for the whole family, with self-guided arts and crafts for kids of all ages and abilities. Future plans include an outdoor area, garden, and occasional onsite food trucks.
Humboldt County has a large population of children and adults with disabilities, but families have long faced a shortage of investment in programs and spaces that meet their needs. Treasurer Sarah, whose daughter was diagnosed with Turner syndrome and later autism, knows this firsthand. “As my daughter entered elementary school and extracurricular activities, we had a lot of difficulty with inclusion,” she says. “At Play Street, we hope to provide an example of what inclusion really means — and how it can benefit everyone.” Shannon agrees: “There are many simple ways to make a space more inclusive, and it starts with working from your heart.”
Play Street is not a therapy center, but “a hub for intentional connection and community building,” says Sara. “It is a true ‘third space’ for families, where play and joy are prioritized for children, while connection, support and ease are prioritized for caregivers.”
Play Street opened July 14, 2026, at 3302 T Street in Eureka. Memberships, drop-ins, birthday party and event rentals, and First 5 open play sessions are available. For more information, visit playstreet707.org or contact info@playstreet707.org.
About Play Street
Play Street is a Eureka-based nonprofit dedicated to building a more inclusive community through thoughtfully curated, multi-sensory spaces where every individual — regardless of ability — can play, learn, and thrive.
Community Support
Play Street was made possible through the generosity of local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners. The organization extends its sincere thanks to:
- Lindstrom Construction for building the ADA-accessible pathway.
- Hamanaka Painting for preparing the parking lot ahead of opening.
- Ability Central for providing communication boards that support inclusive communication.
- The Bridge for connecting Play Street with local special education families and community resources.
- First 5 Humboldt for partnering to host ASL Play Groups.
- Humboldt Creative for branding, graphic design, and marketing support.
- Humboldt Mortgage for sponsoring the space.
- North Coast Co-op for contributing to the color changing fiber optic cascade lights.
- Rotary Club of Eureka for contributing to the color changing bubble tube.
- Christine and Jalmer Berg Foundation for contributing to the new flooring and interactive projector.
This project is a reflection of what can happen when an entire community comes together to support local families.