By Shawn McGrath, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
ANDERSON — More than 200 youngsters and parents descended on Anderson’s Jackson Park on Saturday for the official unveiling and dedication of the Born Learning Trail, an interactive, educational path for kids in the park.
“It’s great,” said Patty Scott, Anderson, walking with her 2-year-old granddaughter Kayliah Spratt along the walkway. “It’s enjoyable for the kids.”
The path has nine stations, each with a learning activity, such as hopscotch, to encourage counting and other skills for young children. The West Anderson Kiwanis Club funded the trail signs and supplies, and the Anderson Parks and Recreation Department donated the labor for installation. Healthy Families of Madison County supplied funds for the event.
Representatives of West Anderson Kiwanis, the city’s parks department, Jackson Park Group, United Way of Madison County, Gateway Association, Head Start, Early Head Start, Saint John’s Lutheran Church Early Literacy preschool, Bright Impressions and Friendly Flock preschools, and The Born Learning Connection were present for the path’s dedication.
Nancy Anderson, vice president of United Way of Madison County, said she was surprised by the large turnout for Saturday’s ribbon cutting.
“We had tons of people out here today,” she said. “The turnout was great. It was definitely more people that we were hoping for. We just wanted to have a nice little grand opening. I’m thrilled.”
Anderson said plans were under way in a Pendleton park to create a second learning path which could open as early as June.
One of the reasons for the large turnout may have been Clifford the Big Red Dog and the Nestlé bunny, both of whom were at the dedication. Clifford was the draw for 5-year-old Linzi SMcGrath 4/18/09 Geiger. Well, Clifford AND the park’s slide.
“I like sliding on the slide,” said Linzi, carrying a Clifford book she brought to the park.
Linzi was at the park with her parents, Ricky and Amber Geiger of Anderson, and her 2-year-old sister Dakota. Both Ricky and Amber said the learning path was a good addition to the city.
“It’s very nice,” Ricky Geiger said.
