EASLEY — Pickens County First Steps recently announced new early learning opportunities right here in downtown Easley.
On April 9, to kick off “Week of the Young Child” in Pickens County, community partners gathered for a ribbon cutting to officially open a new Born Learning Trail and Little Free Library at Doodle Park in Easley.
City of Easley, Leadership Pickens County, Pickens County First Steps, United Way of Pickens County and various sponsors came together to install Pickens County’s eighth Born Learning Trail.
Born Learning Trails, originated by United Way Worldwide to turn everyday settings into learning experiences, include special signage and graphics installed on existing parks and trails, inviting parents and caregivers to engage with young children in a way that promotes early learning while also interacting with nature.
Pickens County Trails also feature signage that integrates activities with The Palmetto Basics, a community-wide messaging campaign that helps all parents and caregivers give every child a great start in life.
A train-themed Little Free library at the Doodle Park entrance was installed at the same time.
Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that inspires a love of reading, builds community, and sparks creativity by fostering neighborhood book exchanges around the world. With the help of community partnerships, Pickens County First Steps has installed 16 Little Free Libraries across Pickens County, providing easy access to books for the youngest learners in the community by placing libraries in places where families naturally gather.
Amanda Whitman, Leadership Pickens County Project Manager, said “It’s been really great to see so many talents come together to serve our community in a way that’s long lasting and that promotes active learning for young children.”
Senator Rex Rice, Representative Neal Collins, and members of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Children from Geer Memorial Baptist Child Development Center and Easley Fire Department Station 2 also joined in the morning’s celebration with story time, playtime, art and a tour of the fire truck.
