Born Learning Trail To Open In Kyle-Two Local Nonprofits Joined Forces

Kyle, Tx — Learning happens everywhere, especially for young children. Parks and other outdoor spaces contribute a great deal to that learning.

 

Thanks to a partnership between United Way of Hays County and Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas’ Head Start, Kyle-area families will soon have even more opportunities to interact with their young children in healthy, fun ways at Lake Kyle Park.

 

The installation of the Born Learning Trail — an interactive, playful outdoor learning tool — will promote early literacy and encourages physical activity for young kids.

 

The trail is part of United Way’s Born Learning program, a long-standing initiative supporting early learning and school readiness.

The entire community is invited to the ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Lake Kyle Park, located at 700 Lehman Road.

The Born Learning Trail builds on the Born Learning/Born to Read campaign created by UWHC almost five years ago, according to its Executive Director Michelle Harper.

 

“United Way’s engagement campaign, Born Learning, helps parents, caregivers and communities use everyday moments outdoors to boost school readiness of children in their preschool years,” she said. “The quality of children’s early learning experiences is critical to success in school and consequently, in life.”

 

“The trail is a series of educational, family-oriented and engaging signs that encourage parents and caregivers to stop and interact with their young children in healthy, fun ways that also encourages early learning and helps kids to enter school ready to learn,” said Suad Hooper, Head Start program director.

 

She added that children who participate in early education activities are more likely to succeed in school, graduate from high school and be better prepared to enter the workforce.

 

“The Born Learning Trail helps encourage language and pre-literacy skills, motor skills and school readiness in young children,” Suad said.

The City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is very supportive of the project, organizers said.

 

“The Born Learning Trail is a great addition to Lake Kyle Park,” Kerry Urbanowicz, director of Parks and Recreation, said. “We are happy to have partners like United Way and Head Start to help us bring more fitness opportunities to Kyle, especially for our youngest residents.”

The duo of Hays County nonprofit organizations focused on quality pre-school instruction and experiences are planning for the installation of two more permanent Born Learning Trails on Hays County and a mobile trail that will be available for special events.

 

One Born Learning trail was already installed at the Central Texas Medical Center walking trail and is open to the public.

Harper said the trails are educational and fun.

 

“Parents and caregivers of young children understand that the early years are important, yet many aren’t sure how to encourage early learning, or feel they don’t have time to do what it takes to help their child succeed in school,” she said.

 

According to Harper, many communities are concerned about children coming to school unprepared, but aren’t coming together to give parents more choices and children more opportunities.

 

“This is an example of a city and two nonprofit organizations working together to give our parents and caregivers resources to raise healthier children who are better prepared for school,” she said.