BOONE, Iowa—It took over a year, but volunteers recently installed Story Walk® in McHose Park. Jamie Williams, Director for the Ericson Public Library says she began by working with Park Staff to determine the best location for the project, seeking a paved trail that would be accessible and available to everyone. She requested the McHose Park location from the Park Board before seeking funding to cover the cost. After the Park Board approved the plan, Williams said a grant was submitted to United Way of Boone County. Additional funding was requested from the Boone Force Board and the Friends of the Ericson Public Library assisted with fund the balance of the project. The total cost for the posts and frames was $6,000.

Williams says special thanks goes out to Anthony Calek who provided the skid loader and auger to make the work easier and providing the know-how. The Rotary Club, Boone Daybreaker Kiwanis and Boone Lion’s Club members provided the workforce. Williams says they were blessed to have the volunteers assist with the project avoiding the installation costs and making Story Walk® available to the community.

Williams says the library has purchased the storybooks that will be placed in the frames. She says the story will be rotated on a schedule and the library will make information available on the schedule. The Ericson Public Library will also plan programming around some of the books and will create QR codes for kids and families to scan to let them know about other activities and programs that are available.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Monday, November 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at McHose Park and the public is welcome.

Story Walk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont.