Lansing’s Impression 5 Science Center, the Delta Dental Foundation and Delta Dental of Michigan celebrated the grand openings of the Delta Dental Gathering Place and the Delta Dental Comfort Zone recently.

The new Delta Dental Gathering Place will serve thousands of guests as a central location for school group orientations, school programming, group lunches and meetings. The space has received significant enhancements, such as accessible seating for all, device charging locations, vending and more. Friends and families can enjoy a snack, take a break or simply gather with each other.

The Impression 5 project teams have also created the Delta Dental Comfort Zone, a sensory-friendly space in the Dart Hall of Science that features dim lighting, sensory toys, white noise machines, seating and more to guests who need a break from the possible excitements and sensory stimulus of the science center. It will also function as a private nursing space for parents and guardians to use as needed.

“These spaces also have an educational component,” said Holli Seabury, EdD, executive director of the Delta Dental Foundation. “Signage and activities will help guests learn about healthy habits, such as drinking more water and brushing their teeth regularly, and the importance of taking a time out when you need it.”

Impression 5 is a place where children of all ages can explore science and is home to the “Chew on This” exhibit, previously funded by the Delta Dental Foundation, that teaches children about caring for their teeth.