Courtesy photo.
Coconino County Parks & Recreation and The Literacy Center are pleased to unveil the Storybook Path at Sawmill County Park.
The path features the book Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match by local author Monica Brown. The book’s pages are displayed on pedestals at intervals along the path for visitors of all ages to read and enjoy in both English and Spanish. Visitors also have the option to listen to the audio book in both languages by scanning a QR code on their smartphone.
Incorporating a new amenity that combines the outdoors and learning is especially exciting to Coconino County Parks & Recreation. The department plans for and provides a variety of recreational, cultural, historic, and educational opportunities throughout the county, in developed and future parks, as well as natural areas. As evidenced by the department’s new Master Plan, which was adopted in spring 2020, Coconino County residents consider connecting youth and adults throughout the county to life-long learning a key opportunity for parks and recreation. Storybook paths, also called storybook trails, have been growing in popularity across the country, and are often the result of a partnership between local parks and recreation agencies and libraries or non-profits, just like Coconino County Parks & Recreation’s partnership with The Literacy Center.
“The storybook path at Sawmill County Park is a wonderful example of community partnerships that benefit children and families. We are excited to provide another opportunity to foster family and cultural connections in our beautiful outdoors,” said Cynthia Nemeth, County Parks and Recreation Director.
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez of District 2 stated, “As a bi-lingual person, I am excited to see this inclusive activity on display for the community. The path offers a great opportunity for children and families to enjoy a special story. This immersive feature is a meaningful way to connect the park to the people in the community.”
“The Literacy Center is honored to be able to partner with Coconino County Parks & Recreation to bring this wonderful outdoor literacy experience to the Flagstaff community. I look forward to seeing the impact this project will have. Thank you to Monica Brown, the path’s featured author, for sharing her art and message with all of us and to our community sponsors who have supported this project,” said Outgoing Executive Director of The Literacy Center Dianna Sanchez.
Visit Sawmill County Park located at 703 E Sawmill Road in Flagstaff to enjoy the Storybook Path.