The first gym for children and adults with special needs on Staten Island is expected to open in December.
It includes a mini zip line specifically designed for children with special needs. Andrew Grosso first tried it in Florida. The 5-year old Staten Islander has autism.
"It brought him joy. It brought him smiles. He got that sensory input which is what we are. We are a sensory gym. It gave him that input that he craves," said James Grosso.
James and Adrienne Grosso are Andrew's parents. They are opening a gym on Veterans Road West with the zip line and all kinds of equipment for children and adults with disabilities. It is the first of its kind on Staten Island.
"There is a large special needs population on Staten Island. It's something that's sorely needed," said Grosso.
He managed fitness centers for 15 years. His wife was a clinical social worker. When they discovered the gym franchise "We Rock the Spectrum," which was started by a California mom, they wanted to bring it to the borough.
"The gym idea grew out of a mother's love for her child. You can't get any better than that," Grosso said.
The gym will include 10 pieces of equipment specifically designed for children with sensory disorders, but Grosso says the facility is open to all kids.
"That is a big component. It allows children to socialize and get that physical activity that they crave. That they sometimes cannot get," he said.
There is also a separate room for events and classes which include music, martial arts and even yoga.
Grosso hopes the gym will also serve as a support system for parents.
"Creating a community environment allows a parent to say its going to be OK. Today is tough but tomorrow's going to be better," he said.
The couple will hold an official grand opening on December 3.