The City of Delta will have three new children’s stories for families to enjoy outdoors.
Council recently agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen for a StoryWalk project along the Grove Trail, as well as with the Rotary Club of Ladner for a StoryWalk along the Millennium Trail from Nelson Grove Elementary to Deas Slough.
Staff are to also working with the Delta Child and Youth Committee and local service clubs to establish a StoryWalk in North Delta.
StoryWalk was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpellier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
It’s a registered service that has been installed in 50 states and 13 countries including, Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea.
StoryWalk is a deconstructed children's book, where laminated pages are placed behind plexiglass on display stands along a path or trail.
A report by parks, recreation and culture director Ken Kuntz notes that ideal books have minimal text and illustrations that do not cross the centre of the book, while having a great storyline.
“Books that can be used in different seasons and are nature based are more popular,” said Kuntz. “The number of pages of the chosen books will determine how many display stands are required. Typically, about 40 paces between stands and a quarter of a mile for the route is a good distance for smaller children.
“Along with the pages, fun physical literacy actions can be displayed encouraging children to hop to the next station, or find items along the way. The first display stand will include a map of the walk, instructions, and links to social media for updates, as well as recognition of the project partners. The remaining display stands will include the deconstructed book pages, arrows and actions the viewers are required to take.”
The city will install approximately 21 weather-resistant display stands that will be provided by the Rotary clubs.
