Wichita’s first story walk aims to tell tales while boosting reading, fitness
Wichita’s first permanent story walk was unveiled Wednesday in north Wichita’s Evergreen Park.
The project aims to improve literacy and exercise among Hispanic and African-American families in Wichita.
The story walk, which stretches along Evergreen Park’s trail, features the children’s picture book “Dreamers” by Yuri Morales. It tells of the author and her son’s journey immigrating from Mexico to the United States. The book is in English and Spanish.
“It’s important that we have books that not only engage students and expose them to other experiences, but also particularly for children who might have experiences that are similar to those being described in those books,” Mayor Brandon Whipple said.
Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena is the family life and resources agent for the K-State research and extension office in Sedgwick County.
“It’s all about promoting literacy and physical exercise. Both Hispanic and African-American communities are very low on those two things, so this is our shot to change that. ... When a child is not proficient in reading, it can have a ripple effect during their academic years,” Brunscheen-Cartagena said.
She hails from Puerto Rico and says the way of life there is different than in the U.S.
“In Puerto Rico, I have to walk a lot. Here I have the luxury of having a car to drive anywhere instead of walking. Here you have to discipline yourself on doing it [walking] for the sake of the health. I walk almost every afternoon with my son,” she said.
Bruscheen-Cartagena also teaches parenting classes, where she encourages parents to communicate with their children right after they’re born.
“I tell parents that as soon as their baby is born to talk to them any chance you get. They may not understand what you’re saying, but that’s how they learn. Read stories, rhyme words or sings songs to them. It goes back to having that discipline that we might not have learned ourselves,” Brunscheen-Cartagena said.
Evergreen Park’s story walk is the first of more to come, Brunscheen-Cartagena said. “Ever since I heard about this in 2018, I have been asking for funding for this project. Nothing happened until now.”
The funding for the $11,000 project came from United Way. It was spearheaded by K-State Research and Extension and the Health & Wellness coalition of Wichita, Wichita public libraries spokesperson Sean Jones said.
The next site for a story walk is slated to be McAdams Park, Jones said. A timeline has not been set.