StoryWalk ribbon cutting held at Clary Gardens
Representatives from Clary Gardens, the Coshocton Public Library and The Frontier Power Company gather around the first story board of StoryWalk. The ribbon cutting was held on Monday, May 24 and the activity is a permanent feature at Clary Gardens. It is a literacy-based program that encourages reading and nature. The featured book for this summer is “Giraffes Can’t Dance” and books will be changed quarterly. (Jen Jones)
A dream that several people have had for years has come true at Clary Gardens. The ribbon cutting to officially open StoryWalk was held on May 24 with representatives from the groups who worked so hard to bring their dream to reality.
The Coshocton Public Library, Clary Gardens and the Frontier Power Company came together to bring a nationwide program to Coshocton. StoryWalk was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpeleir, Vermont, and have been installed in all 50 states, plus several other countries.
StoryWalk is a literacy-based walking trail that starts near the children’s garden at Clary Gardens and winds along the path, past both ponds and finishes near the upper parking lot. Pages from books are installed in stands along the trail and families can read a page at each stand. Throughout the summer, Coshocton’s StoryWalk will feature “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae. Books will be changed quarterly and the fall book will have a scarecrow theme to go along with Clary Gardens’ Scarecrow Trail.
Deborah Crowdy, youth services manager at the Coshocton Public Library, has been dreaming of bringing a StoryWalk to Coshocton for many years. The activity encourages literacy and fosters an enjoyment of the outdoors. “People are really embracing it. I think it will draw people from other counties, too.”
The Frontier Power Community Connection Fund provided the funds for the StoryWalk and Frontier Power employees volunteered their time (along with Clary Gardens) to install the posts and stands. The posts are secured in the ground by about three feet and are made from cross pieces of power poles. “If a post comes out, it won’t be an accident,” said Jandi Adams, director of Clary Gardens.
Adams said, “We are really excited to partner with the library and Frontier Power to bring StoryWalk to Coshocton. It’s something our board is passionate about and part of our mission – children’s education and getting kids outside. That’s why the gardens were built. This takes us to a whole new level of providing education and fun and we are excited to provide this for the community.”
This will be a permanent feature at Clary Gardens and is free for everyone to enjoy.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
