Town of West Seneca & United Way launch Born Learning Trail at Tim Russert Park to promote early learning & family fun

Fall-themed trail is available for all to enjoy as an enhancement to the park

Learning happens everywhere a child goes, but parents, grandparents and caregivers may not always know how to support that learning.

That won’t be the case any longer in West Seneca. The town partnered with United Way of Buffalo & Erie County to bring a new Born Learning Trail to Tim Russert Park.

“The interactive trail provides youth and their families with the chance to get their brain and body moving. Check out the trail and turn an everyday moment into a learning opportunity with your family today!” Recreation Supervisor Lauren Masset said.

A press release noted, “Born Learning Trails turn everyday experiences into teachable moments. These multistation, family-learning courses connect learning in the classroom to real-world activities around the community and out in nature. Introduced to nearly 1,000 communities, the trails support language, literacy and social skills development, and remind us that learning can be easy and fun.”

A Born Learning Trail was recently added to Burchfield Park in West Seneca. The trail at Tim Russert is the newest addition and also has fall-themed decorations to make it more exciting for the families that come to visit.

“It was a pleasure working with the United Way. We appreciate the opportunity to expand what our park system has to offer,” West Seneca Highway Superintendent Brian Adams said.

High-quality early learning and parent education and supports are two of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s critical community impact focus areas.

"At United Way, we know the greatest amount of brain development happens before a child's fifth birthday,” President and CEO Michael Weiner said. “Providing enriching learning experiences like Born Learning Trails for young children and their caregivers can enhance early brain development, prepare children for school and, consequently, improve their long-term success."

This is the seventh Born Learning Trail in Erie County. To learn more about local Born Learning Trails, visit uwbec.org/bornlearningtrails. Parents looking for more information and resources about early learning programs can also call 2-1-1.

The Tim Russert Park Born Learning Trail is made possible through the sponsorship of General Motors.

“I am grateful to United Way and the West Seneca Highway Department for their work to enhance our park and recreational opportunities for the town. This project gives families an ‘unplugged’ opportunity to have fun, learn, grow and connect,” Supervisor Gary Dickson said.

Learn more about the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County at uwbec.org.