A walk in the park can now double as a storybook adventure in Mississauga.
The City has launched StoryWalk®, a free outdoor experience that turns select park trails into interactive reading adventures, according to a City of Mississauga news release. Illustrated pages from children's books are posted on signs along walking paths, so families can read a story from start to finish as they move along the trail.
Four parks across the city are taking part, with each location featuring a different story by a Canadian author. The City is encouraging families to visit all four and discover a unique reading adventure at every stop.
The books were selected by Mississauga Library staff and reflect diverse, family-friendly themes told with colourful illustrations, the release said, making the trails enjoyable for readers of all ages and reading levels.
Open year-round
The trails are available year-round during regular park hours and are accessible and maintained through all seasons, which means residents can enjoy them in the middle of summer or on a crisp October afternoon, at their own pace.
The initiative combines literacy, outdoor recreation and active living — an invitation to explore the community while fostering a love of reading, the City said.
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson and Rachel Senechal of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Vermont, which owns the registered service mark.
Where the tales continue
When the trails end, the stories don't have to. The City is pointing residents to Mississauga Library, where they can borrow books, movies and games, or take part in a range of programs. The full catalogue and program listings are available at mississaugalibrary.ca.
Mississauga has more than 500 parks to explore, and the City maintains a park finder at mississauga.ca/parks to help residents locate green space and amenities near them.
No registration or fees are required — just show up at a participating park, follow the pages and watch a story come to life with every step.
