What is a StoryWalk?
StoryWalk® is a fun, educational activity that places the pages of a book along a popular walking route. StoryWalk® combines the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside. The pages of a children’s book are placed in holders along a path. As you walk the path you discover page after page, and pretty soon after a short stroll you have read a story.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellgo-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
About the Ark City StoryWalk
Ark City’s StoryWalk is a joint effort between the Ark City Public Library, the City’s Public Services Department, USD 470 Early Literacy Initiative, and RISE Cowley. Each entity has contributed time and funding to help make the StoryWalk available to community residents. The StoryWalk display stands were custom designed and built by local company Cardinal Sign.
The StoryWalk is a part of a larger effort funded by the Kansas Health Foundation to increase literacy in children ages 0 through third grade within the community. The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. For more information about the Kansas Health Foundation, visit www.kansashealth.org. Caregivers interested in additional literacy development resources can visit usd470.com/earlyliteracy to learn about other opportunities.
The installation at Poplar Walking Trail is a part of a broader City plan that includes efforts to enhance trail features, including safe lighting and fitness stations along the trail. Further planning for parks and trails will occur later this year with broad community input as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan update process.
A new story will be installed every few months.
Where can I find the StoryWalk?
The StoryWalk display is installed at the Poplar Walking Trail in Arkansas City and runs along the first quarter-mile of the trail.
Want to sponsor a Story?
If you are looking for a way to invest in our local community and support children’s literacy, sponsoring a story along our StoryWalk is definitely the way to do it!
We place a new story along the walk every other month. Your $100 sponsorship helps pay for materials, and your name/logo will be featured prominently at the beginning and end.
Please contact the library at arkcitypl@acpl.org to sign up!
Are you interested in more literacy resources?
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