By 1812Blockhouse
StoryWalk® is a unique initiative that combines the joy of reading with the benefits of outdoor activity, offering a fresh way for families and individuals to engage with stories while exploring the community. With participation by the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library (MRCPL), these innovative trails not only promote literacy but also foster physical activity and community connection, enhancing the quality of life in Richland County.
What is a StoryWalk?
A StoryWalk® is an interactive experience that places pages of a children’s book along a walking route, inviting readers to follow the story as they stroll through the environment. Originally created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson in Montpelier, Vermont, in partnership with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, StoryWalks® have since spread across all 50 U.S. states and 13 other countries. They serve as a delightful way for children and adults to combine reading, exercise, and quality family time.
Participants walk along a designated path, stopping at numbered stands that display pages of a story. These trails are updated seasonally, so there’s always something new to enjoy. StoryWalks® are designed to make literacy a fun, engaging, and active experience, drawing families out into nature and encouraging both reading and physical movement.
Local StoryWalk® Locations in Mansfield
StoryWalks® have been set up at two key locations in Mansfield:
- Buckeye Imagination Museum – Downtown Mansfield: This StoryWalk® is a partnership with the Buckeye Imagination Museum, Altrusa International of Mansfield, and MRCPL. Located along West Third Street and Walnut Street, the StoryWalk® features 20 stands that connect the Buckeye Imagination Museum at 175 W. Third St. to the Richland Carrousel Park at 75 N. Main St. The current story is “Look” by Gabi Snyder, a perfect fit for this downtown adventure that encourages observation and curiosity.
- Kingwood Center Gardens: A beautiful blend of nature and storytelling, the Storybook Trail at Kingwood Center Gardens is another collaboration between Kingwood and MRCPL. Located at 50 N. Trimble Rd., this trail requires garden admission but offers a serene, immersive reading experience. The current story on display, “You Are Part of the Wonder” by Ruth Doyle and Britta Teckentrup, invites participants to reflect on their place in the natural world while enjoying the lush surroundings.
The Purpose and Benefits of StoryWalk®
StoryWalks® serve multiple purposes that resonate with community values and needs:
- Promoting Literacy: By integrating reading into outdoor activities, StoryWalks® provide a novel and engaging way for children to connect with books. Each page turn becomes an opportunity to learn, explore, and enjoy literature beyond the traditional setting of a library or classroom.
- Encouraging Physical Activity: StoryWalks® promote exercise by encouraging participants to walk from stand to stand, blending the benefits of reading with the advantages of physical activity. This innovative approach to storytelling ensures that fitness becomes a natural part of the reading experience.
- Fostering Family Time: StoryWalks® offer an excellent way for families to spend time together. The interactive nature of reading outdoors allows for shared moments of discovery and conversation, strengthening bonds and creating memorable experiences in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
- Connecting Communities: By partnering with various organizations throughout Richland County, the StoryWalk® initiative helps strengthen community ties. It brings together families, educators, and local groups in a shared mission to promote a vibrant and literate community.
Image: The program is in place across the country; this StoryWalk® board is located in Avondale Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Image: Creative Commons License
