Potter Park Zoo held its first FALCONERS program in January 2016. The program invited families from the mid-Michigan area with children on the autism spectrum to visit the zoo in a sensory-friendly environment, offering this experience on a monthly basis. It was launched in response to feedback from families who expressed the need for quieter, less crowded times to fully enjoy the zoo. With the support of a grant from the Capital Region Community Foundation, the program was successfully launched.
In the first year there were 650 participants. With strong community participation and positive feedback, it was clear that the program was both needed and well-supported.
In 2018, Mariah Martinez became the coordinator of the program. One of the first things she noticed was the growing interest from families with children who had other developmental disabilities wanting to participate. Recognizing this need, the program made a positive shift, expanding to welcome children and adults with any unique challenge to take part in the monthly events.
Each year, special nights are held for FALCONERS families to enjoy larger events, such as Boo at the Zoo and Wonderland of Lights, in a more peaceful setting without the crowds and noise. These quieter nights are crucial for families to be able to experience the events without feeling overwhelmed. The largest FALCONERS event to date took place during Boo at the Zoo in 2019, with 365 participants. In 2023, the zoo introduced an accessible hayride, allowing individuals with physical disabilities to join in the fun!
The program has experienced significant growth over the years, bringing new opportunities for families. One of the most notable additions is the annual dinner for families. In recent years, Olive Garden in Okemos has generously sponsored these dinners. Dining out can be a challenge for many families, as restaurants can be noisy, bright, and lack necessary accommodations. By hosting the dinner at the zoo, families can enjoy a sensory-friendly, judgment-free environment that takes dietary restrictions into account. The first dinner was held in January 2020, and it has since become a vital part of the program.
FALCONERS is supported by many dedicated staff and volunteers. The success of all of our programs relies on the passionate volunteers who lead the activities the zoo offers. Without their support, hosting these events every month would not be possible.
Zoo staff take great pride in the programs the zoo offers and are committed to ongoing sensory-inclusive training through KultureCity each year. They also stay up to date with the new accommodations that are continually introduced at the zoo.
Although the following accommodations are available every day at Potter Park Zoo, they can also be used while attending a FALCONERS event: Sensory Bags, Weighted Lap Pads, Headphones, Wheelchairs, Electric Carts, Braille Maps, Animal Signage Transcribed to Braille, Quiet Areas, Families Restrooms and Audio and Visual Tours.
We are proud that FALCONERS has expanded over the years to serve families beyond the Lansing area. We are deeply grateful for the support from families across Michigan. With no registration fee to attend, we look forward to welcoming new families to our monthly programs.
Here are a few comments from current FALCONERS families:
“We absolutely LOVE these events! Our kids (and us adults) look forward to them every month! It’s such a joy! We are so grateful for this program. A huge thanks to everyone involved.”
“So glad to have the FALCONERS events for families like ours!”
“We had an amazing time. My boys loved it and was great that it was not crowded and they were able to run around.”
If you are interested in joining the FALCONERS email list to learn about upcoming events, email falconers@ingham.org. The next FALCONERS event is Friday, April 17, 5 – 7:30 p.m. and registration is available the zoo’s webpage. You can find all of Potter Park Zoo’s accommodations here. Bookmark the FALCONERS Page to find other resources!
