The Third Place for Kids is building its village
Walking into The Third Place for Kids (TTP) in Parker is like walking into a wish. This warm and inviting community space, designed for neurodivergent and disabled kids, was crafted with care in every detail.
Casey Brown, co-founder and CEO, is the lovely inspiration behind this local nonprofit. Her background includes early childhood education, teaching preschool and nannying for families with children on the autism spectrum.
TTP is personal, too: Casey and her husband, Logan, have two daughters, one neurodivergent with a sensory processing disorder, and the other highly sensitive.
It all started with The Sensory Spot, owned by Kayla Pallace, a space that was life-changing for Casey. After The Sensory Spot closed in 2024, Casey and Logan pitched the idea of a bigger, nonprofit, community-focused sensory space to Kayla, who replied with a resounding “yes!” The three then co-founded TTP.
On May 9, 2025, the doors to TTP opened. A beautiful sensory butterfly mural immediately greets you; it is the perfect spot for kids to engage while parents sign-in. Beyond the entry, there are two large spaces: a sensory room and a sensory gym, each equipped with a gate to avoid elopement.
The sensory room is extra cozy. It includes tactile sensory elements like marble, chalkboard and mirror walls; sensory tables; and domino- and sequin-flipping boards.
The tall and open sensory gym is full of play-based equipment, tactile art, and sensory pods with noise canceling foam, providing a quiet escape for anyone needing it. Highlights include a cuddle box, ladder lights, a Jumparoo for safe jumping, a vibration plate to help fulfill sensory input, a zip-line, slack line, monkey bars and a wheelchair-adaptable swing.
The entire space is filled with velvet couches and seating reminiscent of Casey’s beloved television show, Friends. “I wanted it to feel like the Friends coffee shop for parents but also a home away from home,” she said.
Monthly memberships and day passes are available. TTP has received grant funding from the Douglas County Community Foundation and has partnered with Developmental Pathways (DP) for scholarship-based memberships. Any child in Douglas or Arapahoe Counties who receive DP services is eligible, covering 80% of a monthly membership for six months.
Everything in the space is therapy-informed and the equipment is rotated weekly. Therapists who attend with patients can see kids in an interactive space. It is always free for therapists to attend when accompanied by a child who has a day pass or membership.
TTP is welcome to all, including siblings, friends or community members. “When you grow up around those who are different, it builds character and makes you a better person—and that changes the world,” smiled Casey.
When asked about the feedback from the community, Casey mentions holding moms in her arms who have cried and thanked her, but adds, “I am the lucky one. We are building our village,” she beamed.
The Third Place for Kids is located at 18860 Clarke Road, Unit 111, in Parker. Everyone’s first visit is free. To learn more, visit thethirdplaceforkids.org.
Casey Brown, co-founder and CEO of The Third Place for Kids, sits in a velvet chair – seating inspired by the cozy vibe of her favorite show, Friends and the Central Perk coffee shop.
A young boy engages at a sensory table in the sensory room at The Third Place for Kids in Parker. The community space was designed and built for neurodivergent and disabled children.
Article and photos by Elean Gersack
