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To help create welcoming experiences for all families, a new calming room, developed in partnership with Jefferson Health, was opened at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions facility in the Poconos.
Located on the lower level of the first floor inside the Big Game Room near the entrance to the Indoor Waterpark, the calming room is designed to provide guests with a quiet, supportive environment where they can take a break from the excitement and stimulation of the resort.
The room was thoughtfully designed and curated by renowned experts from Jefferson Health, spearheaded by Wendy Ross, MD, Director of the Center for Autism & Neurodiversity at Jefferson Health, to support children and individuals who may benefit from a sensory break during their visit. Features include comfortable seating, sensory water bubble tube lamps, interactive gel floor tiles, toys, dim lighting and soundproofing throughout the space to create a relaxing and restorative atmosphere.
“At Kalahari Resorts, we believe every family deserves to feel welcomed, comfortable and supported during their stay,” said Don Pleau, General Manager of Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains. “This calming room reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, and we're grateful to partner with Jefferson Health to bring this important resource to our guests.”
“Having a calm place to take a break can sometimes make an experience possible for families,” said Dr. Ross. “At Jefferson Health, we provide more than a respite during challenging times; we create spaces and opportunities to enhance wellness with community partners like Kalahari.”
Kalahari Resorts, in Tobyhanna Township in northern Monroe County, and Jefferson Health hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the calming room on June 29, 2026.