CircleWalk Adventures: Finding My Place in University Circle Press Release
Posted September 16, 2016 in Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Sands, University Circle Inc.
216-791-3906
University Circle Inc. Introduces Children’s Activity Book
CircleWalk Adventures: Finding My Place in University Circle
CLEVELAND, OH – September 5, 2016 – University Circle Inc. has published a children’s activity book that offers opportunities for discovery and exploration of institutions in University Circle. PNC Bank provided the funding for the project.
CircleWalk Adventures: Finding My Place in University Circle invites parents and caregivers to experience and explore the cultural treasures, iconic landmarks, and public spaces they know and love with their children. The activity book offers age appropriate maps, thought-provoking activities, and probing questions that help children develop spatial thinking and consider how they fit into their surroundings.
Guided by an adult or teacher, children can embark on a personal exploration of the University Circle area including the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Rockefeller Park, Cleveland Institute of Art, University Hospitals, and Wade Oval.
The activity book will also be utilized in the Early Learning Initiative (ELI), a program for 4 and 5 year olds managed by the Community Education Department of University Circle Inc.
“The activities help children meet the geography standard for pre-k, which requires that children demonstrate a beginning understanding of maps and an actual representation of places,” according to Diane Hansson, UCI’s Early Childhood Program Manager. “The activity book, in conjunction with monthly field visits to University Circle, provides teachers a new way to help children develop spatial thinking skills and a sense of belonging to a special place in their Cleveland community.”
The activity book is a complement to CircleWalk, a 40-stop self-guided tour route, unveiled earlier this summer. CircleWalk invites visitors to create their own customized adventure though 100 years of history via “story poles” located at points of interest around University Circle. A printed pocket-sized map is available at the University Circle Visitor Center and the Wade Oval Information Kiosk. An audio tour and other materials to complement the CircleWalk experience are available at circlewalk.org.
The activity book project was made possible through support from PNC Bank.
“PNC recognizes that learning in a child’s early years us essential to their long-term success.,” said Paul Clark, PNC regional president for Cleveland. “This new activity book will help engage young minds and connect then to the rich culture of University Circle. We hope this activity book will create an opportunity for parents and grandparents to share the beauty of the Circle with future generations.”
Through its Grow Up Great initiative, PNC helps prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. With a focus on underserved children, Grow Up Great provides leadership, advocacy, funding, volunteers, and educational resources to help families, educators, and community partners offer innovative opportunities that enhance children’s learning and development.
“PNC’s support enabled our dedicated team of educators to bring this project to life. Introducing young children to the treasures of University Circle is one of our greatest joys,” said Chris Ronayne, President of University Circle Inc. “CircleWalk Adventures is a new tool for our education staff and any parent, teacher, or caregiver to use to help children understand their environment and understand their relationship and importance to our very special neighborhood.”
Parents and caregivers may obtain free activity books at the University Circle Visitor Center at 11330 Euclid Avenue, the PNC Bank branches located at 2025 Stokes Blvd. and 8220 Carnegie Avenue, the Wade Oval Information Center during operating hours, or by contacting the main office of University Circle Inc. at 216-791-3900.
About PNC
PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC visit pnc.com.
About University Circle Inc.
University Circle Inc. (UCI) is the development, service and advocacy organization re4spoonsoble for the growth of University Circle as a premier urban district and world-class center of innovation in health care, education, and arts and culture. The University Circle neighborhood is home to a dynamic collection of museums, performance venues, human service organizations, places of worship, parks, restaurants and retailers. Information available at: universitycircle.org
About CircleWalk
CircleWalk, a 40-point, self-guided tour, is a brand new way to experience University Circle. Story poles highlight the people, places, and institutions that are the foundation of University Circle. The CircleWalk project came to fruition under the direction UCI Planning Director Elise Yablonsky, with thoughtful design by the Gecko Group. CircleWalk was designed to provide optimum accessibility, even to those visually or mobility impaired. UCI worked with Maximum Accessible Housing Ohio (MAHO) and the Cleveland Sight Center, both located within the boundaries of University Circle, on the project. To view details about CircleWalk visit Circlewalk.org
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