One Joplin Unveils New StoryWalk with Ribbon-Cutting Celebration
JOPLIN, Mo. — A new chapter is about to begin at Leonard Park as One Joplin prepares to unveil its latest StoryWalk installation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 on February 27.
“It’s a celebration of a new installation of a story walk,” said Nicole Brown, Executive Director of One Joplin. “So story walks are stories that are interactive for kids. This one specifically is ‘Run, Oscar, Run!’, and it’s designed to get kids moving and interacting with the story. It gives them instructions like read this page and then go take a lap around the tree or things like that. But it’s a really fun way for kids to enjoy being outside while also supporting literacy and a love for reading.”
The event will mark the debut of Run, Oscar, Run! by Kelley Donner, a whimsical tale designed to delight families and inspire outdoor fun.
This new addition is a collaborative effort between One Joplin, Joplin Family YMCA, and Joplin Parks and Recreation. The permanent StoryWalk features sturdy displays along a paved, scenic path through Leonard Park, blending the joys of reading with the beauty of nature.
“It is such a great (story)and it was such a great tie-in with the YMCA,” Brown said. “And our plan is to switch these out quarterly. The story that we had in there previously was more of a semi-permanent installation. It had been there for four years and we heard feedback from the community that said, we love this, but we want to take our kids to go see something different and bring us out and attract them. And so our vision now is to switch this out every quarter.”
Just in time for spring, the latest installation will remain on display through April, giving families plenty of time to explore its pages.
“We had originally planned this for last week and the city wasn’t available because of some transportation issues,” Brown said. “We were so glad that they originally requested us to move it. So it all worked out perfectly for us to have this ribbon cutting on a beautiful day.
“The YMCA is our sponsor for this installation and they’re bringing kids out from their after school program. So they’re going to come out and enjoy it with us. And we just welcome all families to come out and check out this installation. If you’ve never been to this park, it has a beautiful walking trail that’s paved, it goes over a little creek. It’s just an amazing amenity in our community.”