Born Learning Trail Opens in Waite Park

(KNSI) – Waite Park welcomed a new attraction for young children Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Born Learning Trail.

The 100-foot path is part of a push by city officials to bring attention to the venue off of 7th Street South. Mayor Rick Miller was on-hand at the unveiling.

United Way Senior Vice President of Development and Community Development Jessica Houle explains how the trail mixes education and outdoor activity through 10 stations. “They’re engagement opportunities for families to do together. So, you might walk up to a sign and it might talk about playing together and you make up a game or stand in the circle and try to make each other laugh or smile.”

Each station has signs in three languages; English, Spanish, and Somali. Houle says the trails are a priority for United Way chapters around the world. The Waite Park one has been in the making for over a decade.

It required a corporate partner in Affinity Plus Credit Union. Branch Manager Bruce Powlish says he helped paint some of the illustrations. He talked to KNSI News about why the credit union wanted to be involved. He says the financial institution feels “taking a proactive approach in that learning and development in those formative years,” is important.

The trail emphasizes being outdoors with your family and active at a young age.

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