SALISBURY — Partners In Learning will host its Adventure Forest ribbon cutting ceremony, which is an extension of the organization’s new facility, Partners In Learning at The Woods, located at 1775 South Martin Luther King Jr. Ave in Salisbury, May 6, at 5:30 p.m. 

The vision for an outdoor learning space where children could learn from nature began long before the planning for their new facility. It had been a dream of executive director Norma Honeycutt for years. 

“This new adventure forest is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to share it with our community,” Honeycutt said. “The first time I saw this land, I knew it was meant to be. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Brenda and Gerry Wood, children will get to chase laughter through the trees, families will weave stories under the open sky, and nature will become a playground for healing and connection. For me, nature has always been healing, and I can’t wait to see this space used to nurture families and children for years to come. This isn’t just a forest; it’s a canvas for a million adventures.” 

Nestled in a far corner of its old Catawba Campus location, Partners In Learning had an outdoor classroom with a nearby creek for children to explore, learn, and grow. Children had hammocks they could swing in between the trees, elevated nest tunnels to crawl through, and lots of imagination space. Now, with the completion of the Adventure Forest, there will be even more exploration opportunities across the massive three acres, including a construction zone, sensory garden, reading nooks, excavation exploration station and a ninja course.

Partners In Learning, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing nationally accredited early education, care, and comprehensive clinical services to children and families. What sets it apart is an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, offering support to children of all abilities, regardless of income. The expansive three acres of outdoor learning space, an extension of indoor programs, provides additional learning opportunities and serves as spaces for therapeutic healing and rejuvenation. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, a public event, will feature remarks from the center’s board chair and community partners and a thrilling scavenger hunt through the adventure forest, games, food trucks, and more. 

“We are excited to open our final construction phase to the community and provide a place where all children and families can explore, heal, and learn,” Honeycutt said. “The support of the community has made this possible, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating this milestone at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.”

Partners In Learning, a beacon of early education, is powered by diverse funding sources. These include generous grants, invaluable donations, and families’ support through tuition fees. As a testament to its commitment to excellence, the center is a proud member of the North Carolina Early Childhood Education Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.