A public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for the Grand Opening of the Canton Heritage Park Story Trail on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 5 p.m. at the beginning of the Story Trail, which can be found on the park path near the west end of the Canton Public Library, located at 1200 S. Canton Center Road in Canton, MI.
This special ceremony will celebrate the newly unveiled Heritage Park Story Trail, which will enable park visitors to read a book as they travel the recently installed Story Trail, step-by-step and page-by-page around Heritage Park’s large pond.
Presented in partnership by Canton Leisure Services, Canton Public Library, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Heritage Park Story Trail consists of a few pages of a featured book that are posted at several stations along a half-mile trail, allowing families and friends to enjoy a special story as they walk the path and take in fresh air and scenery of the park.
“Canton is excited to add this story trail as another desirable amenity in Heritage Park that will help spark children’s imaginations while encouraging them to stay active,” said Laura Mortier, Recreation Specialist. “This type of special feature was developed to promote literacy, exercise, and family fun by immersing visitors in an entertaining story and enabling them to enjoy nature at the same time.”
Seven permanent story stations have been installed, each containing approximately two to four storybook pages. The featured story will begin at the station located in the park just west of the path near the west end of the Canton Public Library. Stations will also include a map directing readers to the next location, in order to continue their journey down the trail to read the next installment of the story and delightful illustrations.
The first installation features “The Bear and the Piano” by David Litchfield. This moving tale of exploration and belonging tells the story of a little bear who discovers a piano in the forest and diligently practices until he comes an accomplished pianist. This adorable bear then travels the world reaching heights of fame and fortune, only to return home for true acceptance. For those individuals with visual impairments, a Braille version of the story may be checked out at the Summit on the Park front desk.
So that the fun continues year-round, a new dynamic and colorful story will be featured on the trail every quarter. Be sure to check back for new fascinating stories and tales of adventure, all with uplifting and inspiriting messages and themes. In addition, book selections will align with Canton Leisure Services and Canton Public Library current programs and initiatives, in an effort to foster an even greater sense of community and unity by bringing people together through shared literature.
Sponsors of the Heritage Park Story Trail include: Canton Historical Society; Canton Lions Club; Domino’s; FastSigns; Friends of the Canton Public Library; IHA Family Medicine of Canton; Nephrology and Critical Care PLLC – In loving memory of Talha and Obaid Rehman and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea.
For additional information about the new Canton Heritage Park Story Trail, please visit www.cantonfun.org or call the Canton Park Office at 734/394-5310.