The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation Partners with the United Way of South Hampton Roads To Unveil A Born Learning Trail along the ERT

NORFOLK, Va. – (May 2024) – The first Born Learning Trail in Southeastern Virginia will be installed in the Fort Norfolk section of the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT). The educational amenity is a partnership between the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation and United Way of South Hampton Roads (UWSHR).

Located between the obstacle course and Plum Point Park, trail visitors will see shapes, colors, numbers and interactive learning games that promote early childhood education and community engagement. The installation will take place on  May 31 with volunteers from both the ERT and UWSHR working together to paint the interactive resources and install signage.

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.

Over 750 outdoor trails have been installed in parks, at schools and in communities. Locations and additional information can be found here. The Born Learning Trail along the ERT will be the second one established in Virginia.

“We are truly excited to be the host site for the first Born Learning Trail in Norfolk,” said Kindra Greene, executive director of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. “We hope this will open a door to outdoor learning opportunities and literally be a first step to more Born Learning Trails throughout our region.”

“We at United Way of South Hampton Roads are honored to provide families the opportunity to incorporate literacy and family engagement through the Born Learning Trail,” said, Lauretta Williams, senior director, education.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s mission is to create an inclusive and resilient urban riverfront trail that connects and inspires people and businesses in the Hampton Roads region. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, historic attractions and 28 neighborhoods within a five-minute walk. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running, and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new unique and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculpture, a double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park, The Glowline and most recently, the installation of the first hydration station. Major sponsors include the City of Norfolk and Sentara. For more information, visit elizabethrivertrail.org.

Contact: Kindra Greene, kindra.greene@elizabethrivertrail.org, 757.681.1405