HERMISTON, Ore.-Enjoy reading and the outdoors? The new Read and Walk Trail in Riverfront Park is now open.
Families and the community are encouraged to read a story as they walk along the trail designed to promote reading, while encouraging healthy lifestyles.
The project, led by Altrusa International of Hermiston, The Next Chapter Bookstore, Hermiston Parks and Recreation and community members officially opened March 15.
“It’s a wonderful project that brings families together through the love of reading to others and the outdoors,” said Linda Turner, the Literacy Chair of Hermiston’s Chapter of Altrusa International.
Readers follow 23 double-sided signs, each with the page of a story on it, along the trail until they reach “The End,” where they can enter a monthly drawing for a free book at the Hermiston Public Library or The Next Chapter.
Literacy is one of the primary focuses of Altrusa, a nonprofit that works for improvement at the community level through leadership, partnership and service.
“We thought the Read and Walk Trail was a neat thing to do and Riverfront Park was the perfect place,” said Turner.
The Read and Walk Trail project started in 2023 when Altrusa thought of a way to personalize and localize StoryWalk, a program started in Montpelier, Vermont by Anne Ferguson in 2007.
The trail in Riverfront Park is a mile-long, however, the signs for the Read and Walk Trail are placed in a half-mile loop for child safety, and the books are also tailored to the community.
“Our trail is unique in that it’s the only one we’re aware of with books in both English and Spanish,” said Turner. “It gives everyone a chance to read and participate.”
Books for the trail are selected with movement in mind, so they tend to have more pictures and fewer words and are generally geared toward children, however, anyone can enjoy a good story.
“Kids can read to other kids or to their parents and parents can read to kids,” said Turner.
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to read a selection, books will remain posted on the trail for about a month before the story’s changed. Currently “Finding Wild” by Megan Wagner Lloyd, with illustrations by Abigail Halpin is on display.
While Altrusa had the idea, the Read and Walk Trail was a true community effort that endured setbacks due to materials or the weather to reach its storybook ending.
“We started with an idea and got great support, including $15,000 from the community,” said Turner.
The sign posts that books are displayed on were made in Milwaukee and purchased by community members and organizations, before being installed by the Hermiston Parks and Recreation Department.
Grants from the Wildhorse Foundation, the Greater Hermiston Community Foundation and Altrusa International also helped write the story of the Read and Walk Trail.
As the weather continues to warm up, families are encouraged to hit the trail for some reading and physical activity outdoors.
“Come check it out,” said Turner. “Read, walk, enjoy, and remember we’re always open to suggestions.”
More information on the Read and Walk Trail is available through Altrusa and the Hermiston Public Library.
