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EAST LIVERPOOL – A family friendly activity called the Grand Story Stroll is anticipated to be installed downtown in East Liverpool before spring.
The Grand Story Stroll, which is very similar to a Story Walk, is in the process of being developed by the newly formed Cultural Connections Committee under the East Liverpool Partnership for Revitalization (ELCPR).
Susan Weaver, member of the Cultural Connections Committee, described the Grand Story Stroll as a "new downtown attraction that will bring together reading, walking and exercise, and family fun. A story stroll is a series of permanent panels that display a children's book, page by page, along a walking route, allowing families to enjoy a story together as they stroll through town."
She noted that it's designed to encourage literacy, promote physical activity, and bring families into downtown East Liverpool and was also one of the recommendations made by Small Nations when they visited East Liverpool. Small Nations is an organization that helps cities develop revitalization plans.
Weaver noted most story trails are found in parks, but this one will be installed downtown as a way to get foot traffic into the downtown area.
The location of the Grand Story Stroll has not yet been finalized, but according to Weaver it is looking like it will possibly be placed on Fifth Street, a location that can be followed in a loop where a family can park, take the stroll and finish back where they parked.
The original plan for the Grand Story Stroll included the installation of 15 approximately 18- by 24-inch weatherproof plexiglass story panels placed on child height pedestals made of durable galvanized metal. But if Fifth Street does end up being the location for it, it will more likely be12 panels, Weaver said.
The plans are set, and the committee is now seeking the money to proceed with the project. Each panel costs $340.
Weaver noted the "grand" part in the name the Grand Story Stroll refers to the donors who will finance the stroll. ELCPR is inviting grandparents, grand-aunts, grand-uncles, and even grand-neighbors. The grand aunts, uncles, neighbors are anyone who is grand in a child's life so those who don't have grandchildren aren't left out.
Weaver said the committee is asking people to donate $300, which is tax deductible, and the committee will also be working to raise some to make up the difference between the asked for donation and actual price. She also noted that it will take a little bit of money to keep them going as they plan to change the story monthly so families can keep coming back and reading a different story.
The story panels will contain an area where the donor can honor a child, family member, or post a family photo.
She noted the committee has lots of ideas for the stories, such as a patriotic story for the Fourth of July, possibly placing the writings of the winners of East Liverpool City School Poetry Slam and maybe a non-fiction one on the science of snowflakes for winter.
Weaver said the Grand Story Stroll will be a free and engaging experience for children and adults who love them.
A grand opening for the Grand Story Stroll is being planned as well.
"These outdoor panels will be a lasting community project that celebrates special relationships between generations," Weaver said.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a panel should contact Weaver at sweaver@kent.edu for more information.
"The project is being developed by the Cultural Connections Committee, a newly formed committee with ELCPR dedicated to promoting cultural activities and experiences in East Liverpool," Weaver said. "The Grand Story Stroll is among the committee's first initiatives and reflects ELCPR's continuing commitment to making downtown East Liverpool a more welcoming, vibrant, and family-friendly destination."