A Walk Through Stories - Community Partners Launch StoryWalk at Aitkin City Park

Hannah Sovinski, RD, LD, CLS

Community Health Specialist with Aitkin County Public Health

Story Walk Panel in Aitkin City Park

Bringing books to life, Aitkin County Public Health’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program, the City of Aitkin, and the Aitkin Friends of the Library have teamed up to create a StoryWalk at Aitkin City Park. This interactive experience allows children and families to enjoy a story while being active in the fresh air, combining learning, movement, and quality family time in a fun and engaging way.

The StoryWalk® concept turns the pages of a children’s book into an interactive journey along a walking path. Families can pause at each station to read together, discuss the story, and explore the outdoors. The first book featured in the StoryWalk is We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger, a playful celebration of fall’s colors and sounds that perfectly complement the seasonal beauty of Aitkin City Park. By integrating literacy with physical activity, the StoryWalk encourages children to develop a love of reading while supporting healthy, active habits.

The project reflects a shared commitment to promoting well-being in multiple ways — from fostering early literacy and language development to encouraging outdoor activity and family bonding. With a $4,500 Community Partner Award from SHIP, the City of Aitkin agreed to install the StoryWalk panels and posts, while the Aitkin Friends of the Library contributed to project costs and will sustain the initiative by providing and rotating books throughout the year.

“This project shows the amazing things that can happen when we work together,” said Mandie Krueger, librarian at the Aitkin Public Library. “It’s giving families a chance to connect, read, and play outside.”

The StoryWalk has already generated excitement within the community, with families looking forward to exploring the path and discovering the story. While feedback is still being collected, organizers anticipate that this initiative will become a beloved seasonal tradition, offering both entertainment and education for children of all ages.

Plans are already in motion to make the StoryWalk a recurring feature, introducing new books and continuing to provide opportunities for literacy, movement, and family connection in Aitkin. Organizers are also exploring ways to thoughtfully share the StoryWalk concept with other communities.