New StoryWalk Celebrates Opening Chapter At Haverstraw's Emeline Park

HAVERSTRAW, NY — On a list of things kids could use a little more of, the joy of the outdoors and the magic of reading would rank high — and now there's a new way to combine the two in an experience that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Rockland County Department of Health, the Village of Haverstraw and the Haverstraw King’s Daughters Library, announced the installation of a StoryWalk Project at Emeline Park, located at 16 Front Street. The StoryWalk features the bilingual book, "I’m Hungry! iTengo Hambre!," by Angela Dominguez.

The community joined in on a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, in Emeline Park.

"The StoryWalk Project is free and accessible during normal park hours. Put on your walking shoes, bring your family, don’t forget your reading glasses, and come enjoy this StoryWalk Project at this great park," Kevin McKay, Interim Deputy Commissioner of Health, said.

Officials say that StoryWalk is a wonderful way for community members to combine literacy skills and healthy exercise. The children’s story has been laid out in posts on an outdoor path around the park. As you walk the path, you are directed to the next page in the story.

Library staff say they will update the books seasonally to engage residents year-round.

"We are looking forward to continuing to collaborate with the village to promote literacy, reading, health, exercise, and movement in the community," Frank Erlanger, Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library Aide, said.

The project was funded by the NYS Department of Health’s Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Program. StoryWalk was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont.

"I encourage everyone to visit Emeline’s Park ADA accessible StoryWalk and take a stroll with young children to enjoy the pages of an engaging children’s story, while you take in the breathtaking views of the Hudson River," Village of Haverstraw Trustee Richard Sena said.

Find out more about StoryWalk and services available at the Haverstraw King's Daughters Public Library here.