Algonquin Plans Sensory-Friendly Touch-A-Truck Event

ALGONQUIN, IL — For the first time this year, the Algonquin Parks and Recreation Department will be offering a sensory-friendly hour at its Touch a Truck event this spring.

The Touch a Truck will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Towne Park, 100 Jefferson St. in Algonquin. The family friendly event will allow for children to explore, climb and touch emergency response vehicles, street sweepers, construction machinery and a variety of other vehicles used to help others in the community, according to the announcement on the event.

New this year, Algonquin will make the first hour of the event "sensory-friendly." This means no horns can be honked and there will be no sirens or flashing lights so children with sensory issues can enjoy the event, village officials said.

"We felt it was an important addition as there are a lot of individuals in our community, as well as surrounding communities, with a variety of sensory needs and sensitivities," said Stacey VanEnkevort, special events and marketing supervisor for Algonquin Recreation. "We wanted to be sure our event is inclusive to all and that those that might have sensitivities to flashing lights or loud sounds."

VenEnkevort said the accommodations are meant to allow kids with sensory issues to comfortably explore the vehicles.

Kona Ice will also be on site to purchase during the event. VanEnkevort said the Touch a Truck event was put on hold since COVID and this is the first year since then that the village is bringing it back.

Meanwhile,he Algonquin Village Board is set to vote to approve a variety of events, including the Touch a Truck, during its meeting Tuesday. Other community events up for approval include the village's flashlight egg hunt, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. on March 10 at Towne Park.

The daytime egg hunt will be held at 10 a.m. on April 1 at Towne Park.