SUFFOLK, Va. — Brittany Smith and her family frequent Lake Meade Park in Suffolk.
“My kids love that there are several playgrounds at the park and we can walk the trail,” Smith said.
Smith is always finding ways to incorporate learning when out with her children. Now, her neighborhood park will expose them and others to new interactive and educational activities.
On Thursday, United Way South Hampton Roads unveiled the Born Learning Trail at the perimeter of the Lake Meade playground.
“One of our goals is to focus on third-grade reading and family engagement. So we know that the foundation really starts early on,” said Sierrah Chavis, the director of education with United Way South Hampton Roads
Along the trail, you’ll find several signs with activities to get your child talking and moving.
“There are things like hopscotch," Chavis said. "There are things that talk about family, family history on these signs and you wonder why is that being done in a park? Well because play and children are more engaged when they’re in their element.”
“This is a great amenity and it comes at no cost thanks to the United Way and their volunteers,” added Mark Furlo, the director of Suffolk Parks and Recreation.
Chavis said they chose this area because of the number of families that come to the park. Smith said she and her family will be back to give these activities a try.
“My son is a Boy Scout," Smith said. "He loves to pick up stuff off the trail and talk about the different things in nature. So, I’m hoping some of the signs and things we’ll implement and feed on that.”