By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com


Families visiting a popular Hartland Township park can walk a new trail that will sharpen children’s minds while getting valuable exercise.

The Livingston County United Way’s Women United Committee launched their first Reading Trail, at Settler’s Park in Hartland, this past weekend. Women United began workshopping the idea last fall, inviting local professionals to help determine the best way to effectively support and implement reading and activity into the community. The project was originally delayed due to the pandemic, but is now up and running.

Visitors to Settler’s Park can now find pages from the children’s book “Grady the Goose,” written by local author Denise Brennan-Nelson, professionally printed and installed on signs along a path. Families can walk the trail, read the story, learn fun facts, and participate in physical activities as they read each sign. At the end of the trail, participants can fill out a short survey for a chance to win a free book. Their names will also be added to the Livingston County United Way’s website for completing the trail. The Women United Committee will use data from this project to help shape future trails.

According to their website, Reading Trail #2 will be at Fowlerville Community Park. That trail will feature another of Brennan-Nelson’s books, “Buzzy the Bumblebee.”

(Photo- Women United Committee of the Livingston County United Way)