Working on Wellness Environments
Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension multidisciplinary community development program

StoryWalk™

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by Anna Stehling & Norma Fultz

A mother and son read a page of the book “Dragons Love Tacos” together at the Miriam Vale StoryWalk™ kick-off.
StoryWalk™ is a site activation activity which encourages children and families to walk together while they read a children’s book. As part of a StoryWalk™, a children’s book is taken apart, and the pages are each secured to a sign that is placed along a designated walking path in the community, oftentimes in a park. A StoryWalk™ is a great option for anyone that is interested in activating a space in their community to promote physical activity.
A group of ballet dancers and other community members visit a StoryWalk™ event at Miriam Vale Park.
A StoryWalk™ program can be created with simple, affordable materials, and it can provide an opportunity and an environment to develop healthy daily habits. According to the CDC Active People Healthy Nation initiative, regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases and conditions.
The Rio Grande City StoryWalk™ committee meeting to finalize their strategic plan for future StoryWalk™ efforts.
The process of creating a StoryWalk™ program includes but is not limited to: establishing a goal, identifying potential partners, obtaining permission and support from affected groups, creating a site plan, choosing books and display types, ordering materials, preparing and assembling the materials, installing the displays, and planning the feedback process. 
StoryWalk™ project partners celebrate at the kick-off of the StoryWalk™ pilot-test at Miriam Vale Park.
A local family visits the StoryWalk™ together at Miriam Vale Park.
A spread of pages from the first book to be showcased in Rio Grande City’s StoryWalk™ pilot-test program at Miriam Vale Park.
A local family enjoys the StoryWalk™ pilot-test even at night!
A group of sisters racing to read the next page of the book at the StoryWalk™ pilot-test at Miriam Vale Park.
A group of Girl Scouts visit the StoryWalk™ pilot-test kick-off in Rio Grande City at Miriam Vale Park.
A group of girls reading a book featured in the StoryWalk™ pilot-test at Basilio Villarreal Park in Rio Grande City.
Siblings read a page of the “Dragons Love Tacos” book featured at the StoryWalk pilot-test kick-off event at Miriam Vale Park.

Rio Grande City Public Library StoryWalk (TM)

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In partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Working on Wellness Environment’s team, the Rio Grande City Public Library held its first-ever StoryWalk(TM). The event was held at Miriam S. Vale Municipal Park in Rio Grande City, TX. StoryWalk(TM) combines literature and physical activity and places a children’s story along a walking path. The WOW-E team worked with local librarian Norma Fultz, the City of Rio Grande City, and community volunteers to bring the StoryWalk(TM) to life. To read more about StoryWalk(TM) click here.

If you would like more information on how you can start a StoryWalk(TM) in your community, reach out to a WOW-E team member.