The Evansville Trails Coalition (ETC) is a member of the Healthy Communities Partnership, Access to Active Living Workgroup. The Access to Active Living Workgroup is dedicated to making the most of our children's physical activity time by innovating atmospheres that are more engaging and encouraging for all children. With the right access, playtime can be inclusive and efficient for everyone!
About the Story Trail Project
A Trail on a Smaller Scale
A trail on a smaller scale, the Story Trail project facilitates and promotes access to active living spaces for (young) people, or best described as the “Trailblazer Littles” in our community. The Story Trail creates and incorporates physical activity, literacy, and placemaking, with the intention of improving the quality of life for all of us in and around our parks and green spaces and those of us who enjoy our parks as a location destination for recreation. The Story Trail encourages families and groups to visit the park and enjoy the wonderful stories available for all to enjoy!
Children will follow along the Story Trail, reading each page of the story on one side and another story on the reverse side. Each page of the story is presented as a high-resolution print of the story, printed on large pages in a sign format, and mounted on permanent posts. These pages are installed on posts that are cemented in the ground and displayed to feature two stories. What a wonderful way to engage children in physical activity while focusing on education and literacy, all while experiencing our local parks and trails at the same time!
To make the Story Trail Project a reality, we need your help! We are seeking sponsors to fund the final location within the series of Story Trails projects within Evansville Parks.
Story Trail Locations
The Story Trail Project consists of three locations: Garvin Park (completed in October 2020), Akin Park (Completed 12/15/2022), and Howell Park (yet to be installed), presented by the Healthy Communities Partnership, Access to Active Living Workgroup Members, consisting of many different organizations and collaborative efforts.
Locations have been approved by the Evansville Department of Parks and Recreation, Executive Director, and by the members of the Evansville Board of Parks Commissioners. When funded, the three locations will be Garvin Park, Akin Park, and Howell Park.
Being active in outdoor spaces can have positive effects in childrens’ health.
See the National Environmental Education Foundation’s, “Children in Nature - Being Active in Nature Makes Kids Healthier” infographic that features Nature Nurtures Children statistics HERE.
3. Howell Park Story Trail - Fundraising Ongoing
2. Akin Park Story Trail - Complete!
1. Garvin Park Story Trail - Complete!
The Power of Trails for Promoting Physical Activity in Communities by Active Living Research
Active Living Research provides a fact sheet featuring the research promoting physical activity among children and adults—a priority and national health objective in the United States. This document outlines regular physical activity that lowers the risk of chronic diseases and important strategies for reversing the obesity epidemic. The highlights of the data shows the growing body of evidence that the built environment can positively influence physical activity for both recreational and transportation purposes. Broadly defined, the built environment includes the man-made surroundings that provide settings for physical activity, such as neighborhoods, streets, public transportation systems, commercial centers, schools, parks, trails, and other outdoor recreational spaces. See the fact sheet HERE.
3. Howell Park Story trail - Fundraising in Progress
2. Akin Park Story trail - Complete!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Located within Akin Park in Evansville, IN, The Story Trail incorporates, “Walk Until You See a Turtle” written by local author, Dr. Richard C. Probert, MD, retired Pediatrician, and “Retrieving with Evie” by local author, Susan Harp.
Garvin Park Story trail - Complete!
Funded by the Healthy Communities Partnership and Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library.
Stories featured are Gary’s Gigantic Dream and DJ’s Busy Day
Thank you to our Garvin Park Story Trail Sponsors!
Sponsorship Levels
Partner today to sponsor an individual sign, or an entire story!
Individual Story Page (1 Sign): $2,500
Mid-Level Story Pages (5 Signs): $10,000
Complete Story Pages (10 Signs): $20,000
Included in complete story sponsorship: Logo on branded signs, website, social media platforms, digital and print promotions.
Included in mid-level and individual story sponsorship: Logo and recognition on website, social media platforms, digital and print promotions.