United Way builds Born Learning Trail in New Rochelle for 9/11 Volunteer Day
United Way Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) teamed up with Volunteer New York and the New Rochelle Department of Parks and Recreation to build a Born Learning Trail at Feeney Park in New Rochelle on Saturday, Sept. 10.
The project, part of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, had 15 volunteers from the three organizations and the community come out to help.
The Born Learning Trail is a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers, and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or visiting a local playground.
United Way supports education, income, and health initiatives to help residents become self-sufficient.
“This project today fits into our health and education pillars,” said Avery Zuvic, UWWP’s director of community impact. “The trail encourages caregiver-child engagement, which evidence shows improve a child’s chance at academic success and healthy relationships. Each of these signs has activities for caregivers and children to interact with each other and the park. Plus, each sign is two-sided: one side is in English, and one side is in Spanish, so it is also inclusive for families in the neighborhood.”
Volunteer New York organizes a service project every year as part of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance since the day was first federally recognized in 2009.
“Many people wanted to remember this day and remember the spirit of coming together that happened when 9/11 occurred,” said Nora Nicholson, manager of Corporate Relations and Service Events at Volunteer New York. “You are among hundreds of volunteers helping out with various projects in the community, which is exciting. We are happy to be working with United Way on this project.”
Lauren O’Connor, the recreation supervisor for the New Rochelle Department of Parks and Recreation, was on-hand during the project build.
“Saturday was great, the crew was great, and the trail looks fantastic,” she said. “We are so happy and proud to include the Born Learning Trail into our park. It has been part of our Feeney Park Improvement Plan to do this since 2015, so we are pleased the wait is over, and people can finally enjoy the trail and the park.”
There are also Born Learning Trails in Elmsford, Ossining, Mahopac, Valhalla, and Yonkers.
