Westside Eagle-Observer

StoryWalk comes to park

- STAFF REPORT

HIWASSE — A StoryWalk and Little Free Library were featured in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Nov. 7, at Hiwasse Park.

City of Gravette mayor Kurt Maddox thanked the various entities that worked together to bring the StoryWalk to Hiwasse Park. Zina Weihe, a representa­tive of the Hiwasse Committee, talked about the Little Free Library, which contains books for all ages. Samuel, Elijah, Noah and Abigail Holloway joined Mayor Maddox in cutting the ribbon.

The StoryWalk features 18 displays set along a 1/4 mile walking trail, with each display containing a portion of a picture book, allowing people to read as they travel along the pathway. A different book will be displayed at the StoryWalk each month. The event featured the book, “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves,” written by Julia Rawlinson and illustrate­d by Tiphanie Beeke.

The StoryWalk Project, created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, provides an innovative way for children and adults to enjoy reading and being outdoors.

“It’s a fun way to combine physical fitness with literacy,” said Karen Benson, Gravette Public Library director.

The Gravette Public Library, the Gravette Parks Department and the Gravette Police Department worked together to bring StoryWalk to Hiwasse Park. The project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act as administer­ed through the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Arkansas State Library, a private donation, and support of the Friends of the Gravette Public Library.

The Little Free Library project began in 2009 when Todd H. Bol built the first Little Free Library as a tribute to his mother, who had passed away. The Little Free Library at Hiwasse Park was purchased with proceeds from the recent Hiwasse Fall Festival and is painted red to reflect the park’s firehouse theme. People may take a book to read or leave one for someone else to read.

 ?? Photo by Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce ?? Karen Benson (red sweater), Gravette library director, looks on as Samuel, Elijah, Noah and Abigail Holloway assist Gravette Mayor Kurt Maddox in cutting the ribbon at the StoryWalk in Hiwasse Park. Others present included Chamber of Commerce president Steve Harari, library assistants Artemis Edmisten and Brittany Mangold, police chief Chuck Skaggs, Zina Weihe, member of the Hiwasse Committee, and members of the Hiwasse community.
Photo by Greater Gravette Chamber of Commerce Karen Benson (red sweater), Gravette library director, looks on as Samuel, Elijah, Noah and Abigail Holloway assist Gravette Mayor Kurt Maddox in cutting the ribbon at the StoryWalk in Hiwasse Park. Others present included Chamber of Commerce president Steve Harari, library assistants Artemis Edmisten and Brittany Mangold, police chief Chuck Skaggs, Zina Weihe, member of the Hiwasse Committee, and members of the Hiwasse community.

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