For Immediate Release:
April 24, 2024
StoryWalk® Unveiled at Springettsbury Township Park
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Grand Opening Planned May 8
YORK, PA – Springettsbury Township, in collaboration with York County Libraries, is excited to announce the official unveiling of the StoryWalk® at Springettsbury Township Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The ceremony and grand opening celebration will take place at Springettsbury Township Park, adjacent to Springetts Castle Park, located at 1501 Mt. Zion Road, York, PA 17402.
Festivities will include remarks from local officials, family-friendly activities including games and crafts, and the opportunity for attendees to be among the first to explore the new StoryWalk®. A rain date of Thursday, May 9 at 1:00 p.m. has been set.
“This initiative represents a beautiful fusion of literature, nature, and community spirit,” says Springettsbury Township Parks and Recreation Director Brandy Shope. “The new StoryWalk® combines the joy of reading with outdoor recreation, allowing families and children to enjoy a story while exploring the natural beauty of the park.”
Pages from a children’s book are displayed along a walking path, inviting community members to embark on a literary adventure as they stroll through the park. The book will change throughout the year, providing new opportunities for families to talk about what they see in the book and in the park.
The StoryWalk® Project was originally created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in 2007. The shared idea has taken root in communities across the United States and in 13 countries including Germany, England, Maylasia, and South Korea.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Springettsbury Township to offer this fun learning opportunity for area families,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “During the StoryWalk®, a child may see a squirrel or bird in the book and then see the real animal in the park. The experience brings the book to life and provides an immediate and natural way for parents to expand their child’s understanding of the world around them.”
Springettsbury Township Park is located at 1501 Mt. Zion Road, York, PA 17402 and is one of 13 parks serving the residents of Springettsbury Township and York County. Spanning 51 acres, it is the largest of the township’s parks and annually draws over 50,000 visitors to its Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Food Truck Fridays, Independence Day Celebration, and year-round recreational offerings.
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About:
StoryWalk® Project
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier Vermont. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
York County Libraries
York County Libraries include 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and digital information, bestsellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions and databases. Their extensive collection includes over 560,000 items and one million digital library materials for loan. All are available for free with a York County Libraries card. Community members without a card are invited to request one at yorklibraries.org at no cost.
Contact:
Brandy Shope
Parks and Recreation Director
Springettsbury Township
[email protected]
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries
[email protected]