By Justin Jervinis
DANVERS — Parents who want to encourage their kids to read and also get some fresh air this summer can achieve both goals at Endicott Park.
Two Danvers High School students, Amanda Shea and Mirtula Papa, have constructed a project called Story Walk. A trail follows 19 stakes around the playground; each stake has two pages of the kids' book "What's It Like to Be a Fish?" by Wendy Pfeffer.
"It is a great way for kids to read and be physically active at the same time," Shea said.
"Between the physical activity and spending time with family combined with literacy makes it a great event," Papa said.
Shea and Papa were interested in doing this project because Endicott Park ranger Joan Townley came to their class one day and talked about Story Walk, a program that exists in 10 other states. They both felt like they could not pass up the opportunity to build it.
Townley saw Story Walk as a good fit for Endicott Park, which is already a magnet for families. She wanted to get the high school students involved for a community service project.
The books will change every four to six weeks. Upcoming titles include "If You Give a Pig a Pancake" by Laura Joffe Numeroff, "Leaves" by David Ezra Stein and "Whoever You Are" by Mem Fox. Townley said she will listen for suggestions.
"It's fabulous because it's free, and it gets kids outside, walking and learning," said Jackie White, who teaches community service learning at Danvers High. "As a teacher, I think this is a great way to spend a warm summer day."
Story Walk was established in 2007 by Anne Ferguson, a Vermont resident, in collaboration with Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellog-Habbard library.
"Give it a try. Think outside the playground and give it a try," Townley said.
