Chandler Public Library launched the StoryPath in Tilghman Park on Wednesday, Sep. 13, with local children and parents taking part.
The StoryPath was funded by a grant through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and The Institute of Museum and Library Services, according to Children’s Librarian Carla Hale. It is maintained by the City of Chandler and the Chandler Public Library.
There are currently more than 25 such paths in Oklahoma. The Story-Walk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
The path is meant to help children exercise their bodies and minds at the same time. A series of signposts display the pages of a children’s book. The idea is that readers must walk along the path running from the northwest corner of the park along Park Road to the northeast corner to read the book. Hale said they plan to change the book every month.
Chandler Mayor Kent McVey was on hand to lead children on StoryPath’s inaugural walk as he read “The Busy Body Book” by Lizzy Rockwell.
Hale said that the library plans to hold an event each month to mark the changing of the book. October’s book will be “Creepy Carrots” by Aaron Reynolds. There will be a special Spooky Event on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. in Tilghman Park to read the book together.