The Village of Sherman’s central location in the region, the Main Street address, from I-86, and the adjacent trail were recognized as opportunities making this the ideal site.  Previously a vacant industrial 23,000 SF building last used as a heavy equipment garage and shop, its expansive space and high ceilings make the kid’s sensory gym a perfect reuse of the historic building, which still has visible features dating back to the original 1929 Sherman Theatre.  The more than one acre lot offers parking and outdoor activities connecting to Chautauqua Rails to Trails.  The goal of bridging the gap for the children in the community and surrounding areas will be complemented with the development of the adjacent Autism Nature Trail.  

 

The market of children’s activity and play centers is robust and quickly expanding; the industry in 2022 had an estimated value of $11.5 billion and is expected to increase to $30.7 billion by 2032.  The franchise has a highly successful international reputation, and the unique sensory equipment sets We Rock the Spectrum – Sherman apart as the only facility serving the target market with the same size and scope in Chautauqua County.    

 

We Rock the Spectrum - Sherman was created with the goal of providing a space for children of all ability levels to play and grow together.  It will serve all children by providing a safe, inclusive, interactive, fun, and highly successful developmentally appropriate space for children and families. Creating a space for learning, socialization, exploration, and safe sensory experiences. 

 

The community is overwhelmingly supportive of the project in serving children and families, while bringing visitors from the region, and the extensive restoration of the historic 1929 Sherman Theatre by repurposing the vacant garage into a children’s gymnasium.