Storybook Walk in Irondale encourages children to go outside and read

IRONDALE Ala. (WBRC) – The City of Irondale has cut the ribbon for its brand new Storybook Walk. The walk consists of 22 posts, each featuring a page from a children's book. The goal is to finish reading the book while walking around the park.

The project took place across the street from Irondale Community School and was carried out in partnership with the Auburn Extension Service.

Mitch Carter, extension specialist, said the trail not only enriches education but also promotes physical activity.

Besides literacy, it also provides an opportunity to be physically active. There are suggestions here for physical activities like jumping jacks, lunges and things like that. So it's more than just reading and getting people to walk around outside more. It's about keeping people physically active,” Carter said.

Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. said the walk helps Irondale stand out from the crowd and promotes learning outside the classroom.

“Now that everyone is doing things with their phones and computers, they have a chance to be exposed to it. And hopefully that will encourage or inspire some of them to want to work as conductors or engineers. That's my hope, that it will help humanity in the future,” said Mayor Stewart.

The book is replaced regularly. The next book will be published on September 23rd.

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