United Way in Waukesha County hosted the launch of Waukesha County’s Born Learning Trail at Miniwaukan Park in Mukwonago.

Miniwaukan Park’s Frisbee golfers, dog walkers, and soccer players had additional visitors on Wednesday, September 26^th of local officials, the Chamber of Commerce and sponsor of the trail, ProHealth Care.　 The 5:30 p.m. ribbon cutting was joined by Fred Winchowky, Village President, Mike Sellenheim and Jim Decker Village Trustees.

Jayne Thoma, executive director of United Way in Waukesha County began the program by stating, "United Way is emphasizing the importance of early learning" and the Born Learning Trail helps by "providing everyday learning moments."　 She expressed sincere appreciation of the great community support from trail sponsor, ProHealth Care with the assistance of the Village of Mukwonago who made it possible to open the sixth trail in Waukesha County.

Kelly Kreft from ProHealth Care expressed the importance of being part of the community and thanked each and everyone of the volunteers and their families who assisted with the trail installation.

Mike Sellenheim echoed the appreciation of ProHealth Care and the volunteers who installed the trail: "Renee McHale and Jean Schultz from ProHealth Care raised the idea of sponsoring a BLT within our community. … Here we are today, … where families of preschoolers come out and not only enjoy a community park but engage in activities with their young pre-school children. A child’s development begins in those very first years of life, laying a foundation for who they become."

Born Learning is a United Way initiative that recognizes children learn from the moment they are born. Parents, guardians, educators and others who care for young children understand that the early years are important, but many are looking to encourage early learning prior to school. Born Learning Trails provides parents, grandparents, caregivers and the community with specific, "do-able" activities that are fun and easy which promotes early learning for young children.

Visitors received a tour of the trail by Barb Holtz from Prevention & Protection of Abused Children, who champions the Born Learning Initiative in Waukesha County.

For more information on United Way in Waukesha County, call (262) 547-8459 or visit WWW.UnitedWayWaukesha.com