United Way of Coastal Carolina and Donna and Team New Bern volunteers recently installed a new Born Learning Trail at Cottle Park in Trent Woods. Sponsored by Donna and Team New Bern, the Born Learning Trail is a collaboration between United Way and the Town of Trent Woods that will provide opportunities for learning and interaction for the children and families who use the Park.
Donna Harmatuk, CEO of Donna & Team New Bern with Keller Williams Realty noted, “When United Way approached me about sponsoring the Trail last spring my first reaction was excitement. Three of my favorite things all in one package - children, nature trails, and Trent Woods. Having raised my own children in Trent Woods I immediately knew we wanted to partner with United Way to bring the Born Learning Trail to Cottle Park.”
This Trail is the fifth one for Craven County, joining a Born Learning Trail installed in 2016 at Kidsville located at the West New Bern Recreation Center, a second trail installed at Creekside Park, the third one now in use at the playground located in Craven Terrace, and the fourth at Pleasant Hill Park.
Born Learning Trails are part of the United Way of Coastal Carolina’s initiative for Early Childhood Education. The Trail consists of a series of 10 interactive signs, designed to develop the skills necessary for success in school. Parents, grandparents and caregivers are encouraged to engage with young children at each point along the Trail to further skills in pre-reading, math, shapes, physical activity, listening and imagination, while having fun at the Park.
The Born Learning Trail is free and open to the public during regular Playground hours.
Donna & Team New Bern with Keller Williams Realty is a real estate team, consistently ranked #1 in the New Bern area. The Realtor professionals in this group are dedicated to providing the dream of home ownership to their clients, and they stay abreast of market trends to educate and provide value to the clients they serve. In an ever changing real estate environment, this team has a proven track record of success and experience.
United Way Worldwide comments: “Build a Born Learning Trail in your community and build a community treasure. Trails provide interactive, engaging outdoor activities that stimulate cognitive development, promote early literacy, and encourage physical activity among kids. Trails are a great resource for parents and care givers spending outdoor time with their pre-K children. Select your site, recruit your sponsors, invite your volunteers – leave a community treasure to help lift childhood success”.
The United Way of Coastal Carolina had its beginnings in the Coastal Carolina area in 1957. Started as a community fundraising organization many years ago, United Way has developed into an organization focused on measurable, long-lasting results for the local community’s most compelling needs. United Way fights for the Health, Education, and the Financial Stability of every person in every community. Currently there are 15 funded programs serving individuals in Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties. Funds are raised locally to fund local programs. For more information visit www.unitedwaycoastalnc.org.