Ebensburg Trail Opens New Outdoor Reading Adventure
Ghost Town Trail Features Interactive StoryWalk for Young Readers
Ebensburg is celebrating a new literary path with the unveiling of its StoryWalk on the Ghost Town Trail. This innovative project transforms the scenic route into an engaging outdoor reading experience for families.
A Walk Through a Story
Approximately 100 attendees gathered despite warm weather for the Monday morning ceremony launching Ebensburg’s StoryWalk. The initiative displays interchangeable pages of children’s books along the trail, inviting visitors to read and explore together.
The inaugural book, “I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More!” by Karen Beaumont, was chosen to complement the Ebensburg Cambria Public Library’s SummerQuest Program, “Color Our World.” The story unfolds across 16 posts, incorporating interactive elements like suggested movements between pages.
Library Director Jenn Link highlighted the StoryWalk as a vital resource, especially after the recent funding halt for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Cambria County. She emphasized its role in fostering early literacy and encouraging children to be active.
Children from the nearby Barrels of Fun Exploration Center, ranging from infants to preschoolers, were among the enthusiastic participants. Center Director Leah Brooks noted the children’s natural enjoyment of both reading and outdoor activities, stating the StoryWalk will significantly enhance their trail experiences.
“This is just so cool that now there’s an actual StoryWalk,” Brooks said. “It’s pretty awesome.”
Seasonal Stories and Community Partnerships
The featured book on the StoryWalk will rotate seasonally, with more frequent updates anticipated during warmer months. Even during colder periods, all displayed books will remain available for checkout at the library.
Plans are already underway to feature a new book in September, aligning with the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership’s annual PotatoFest event. This ensures a continuous cycle of engaging content for visitors.
Danea Koss, Ebensburg’s community development director, views the StoryWalk as a dual benefit, promoting recreation and literacy simultaneously. She added that the increased foot traffic from the trail positively impacts local businesses, encouraging visitors to patronize downtown establishments.
Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky praised the initiative as a valuable addition to the area’s outdoor offerings, underscoring the success of public-private collaborations.
The concept for the StoryWalk originated with Jenn Link during the COVID-19 pandemic. The project culminated after nearly two years of dedicated fundraising efforts.
The realization of the StoryWalk was made possible through a wide array of community support, including contributions from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, Ebensburg Borough officials, the Ebensburg Women’s Club, the Festival of Books of the Alleghenies, the David A. Glosser Foundation, the Long Barn Inc., Barrels of Fun, and three anonymous donors.
Caytlin Lusk, assistant executive director of the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s positive impact on local youth and the community.
The Ghost Town Trail, recognized as a 2020 trail of the year by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, continues to be enhanced with public art, student-created structures, and historical markers, further solidifying its appeal.
Research consistently shows the benefits of outdoor activities on child development. For instance, a 2023 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicated that children who spend more time outdoors exhibit improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of ADHD (Pediatrics, 2023).
The palpable excitement of the children as they discovered each new page was a testament to the project’s success, leaving attendees with a sense of accomplishment and community pride.
