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KultureCity certification

Medicine Hat’s Big Marble Go Centre becomes Alberta’s first sensory-inclusive recreation centre

Aug 6, 2026 | 5:11 PM

The Big Marble Go Centre in Medicine Hat has become the first recreation centre in Alberta to earn KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive certification, a designation aimed at improving accessibility for people with sensory sensitivities.

The certification comes just five days before the facility and various locations host athletes and visitors during the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, scheduled for Aug. 11 to 15.

To achieve the designation, 85 Big Marble Go Centre staff members completed specialized training developed by medical and neurodivergent professionals on recognizing guests with sensory needs and responding to sensory overload situations.

The City of Medicine Hat says additional staff training will continue.

The certification is intended to help staff better support visitors with sensory sensitivities and create a more accessible environment throughout the recreation facility.

“Big Marble Go Centre welcomes thousands of guests each year, including many who experience sensory challenges, and we see this achievement as an important step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for everyone,” interim recreation manager William Percy said in a release.

“We are proud to continue enhancing our programs, services, and spaces to ensure all guests feel welcomed, supported, and able to enjoy everything our facility has to offer.”

The facility has also introduced sensory bags that visitors can borrow from the customer service desk.

The bags include noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads to help guests who may become overwhelmed.

Families can also use the free KultureCity app to view available sensory supports before arriving and access a Social Story that outlines what visitors can expect during their visit.

The certification follows similar designations awarded to Co-op Place and the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre in February 2025, making Big Marble Go Centre the third City of Medicine Hat facility to receive KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive certification.