There is a new place to take a walk in Luttrell, but it isn’t your typical trail.
The Luttrell Storybook Trail made its debut last week and is generating a ton of excitement. The usual walking path helps build the muscles and the heart. This trek can do that as well, but it can also expand a child’s brain. The trail is located behind Luttrell Elementary School/Luttrell Library and can take readers on a magical walking journey using books.
The trail was made possible through a grant from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. Their Storybook Trail program partners with Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, city parks and outdoor areas to create enriching outdoor reading experiences for children and families and connects literacy with a fun, physical activity. The Union County Health Council. Luttrell Library and UT Extension worked together to secure the grant and turn their dream into reality.
UT Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Alyshia Victoria was involved in the project. “The posts are about three feet high so students can easily read the story as they walk the trail,” said Victoria. “The Luttrell Library was already looking at the grant opportunity, so when UT Extension reached out to partner on the project, the library and the city were ready to move forward.”
The trail is completed and will feature one book at a time. The current book is titled, Llama Llama Loves to Read. The books will change throughout the year.
The boards were printed by Thunder Road Printing and the posts were built by John Fugate and the Union County High School construction class. Luttrell City employees handled the installation.
“The grant application is open for any organizations who are interested,” said Victoria. “I am happy to work with anyone on applying. Since all the work was done locally, now we know what we are doing.”