Take a stroll down Lockerbie Park between Willow Grove and Stirling Drive and you’ll find an intriguing string of posts, displaying pages of a picture book, weaving a story as you wander down the path.
The Morrinsville StoryWalk® was the passion project of former Community Engagement Librarian Heather Furniss, who saw it as an opportunity to support literacy development beyond the four walls of the library. Our new Community Engagement Librarian Justine Pillay has picked up the baton and is pleased to announce the project is complete, with an official public opening of the StoryWalk® set for Tuesday 24 September, 9am, at the beginning of the Rotary Centennial Walkway at Lockerbie Park.
All are welcome to join the opening as we debut the original story developed and executed by the talented students of Morrinsville Intermediate in collaboration with Ngāti Hauā and Te Ao Marama. The opening will include short speeches from those involved and a tour of the StoryWalk® followed by light refreshments.
Justine Pillay said she hopes the opening will encourage more people to visit the Lockerbie StoryWalk® and “appreciate the incredible effort that has gone into crafting a truly original story in addition to showing young children that reading doesn’t have to be an indoor activity.”
“We extend a special thank you to the Morrinsville Menzshed, who built the permanent posts and panels that hold the pages of the book,” said Pillay. “We also thank Morrinsville Intermediate, Ngāti Hauā and Te Ao Marama for their wonderful collaboration on this project.”
This StoryWalk® is one of many worldwide. The initiative was founded by Anne Ferguson of Vermont, USA in response to the COVID-19 crisis of 2020. It was designed as a way to engage young children in reading and help build on their literacy skills while allowing them to enjoy the outdoors. It aims to get children active and build safe community spaces while encouraging reading to even the most reluctant learners.
The Lockerbie StoryWalk® is one of three in the district. We have also installed a StoryWalk® at Swap Park in Matamata and the River Walk in Morrinsville, which was a collaborative project with Morrinsville Museum and Ngāti Hauā, for local and visiting children to enjoy.
