Have you noticed the new Trail Tales installation along our Sugar Creek Trail?
Twenty new storyboards have been added to the trail next to the animal shelter. The permanent storyboards feature eight to 12 different Trail Tales a year for families to enjoy. The markers also feature flora and fauna that can be spotted along the way.
Janella Nunan, children’s librarian assistant at the Crawfordsville District Public Library, originally brought the project to the parks department. She wanted to expand library programs outside the traditional building and promote literacy to local families.
In 2016, Nunan worked with Yvonne Rincon of Phantom Neon to create foam-core storyboards. Together, they recreated the book in a sequence for families to follow as they enjoyed time outside. The original storyboards were placed on temporary wire posts so they could easily be changed.
While the excitement for Trail Tales grew over the years, so did the problems. The wind and weather sometimes took signs away from their locations. The costs and licenses to reprint the books increased. Sometimes, signs would disappear. Nunan got to work on making those problems go away.
Last year, she approached Fawn Johnson from the Crawfordsville Park and Recreation Department to see how they could collaborate on better solutions.
“With its popularity, it made sense to make it a more permanent feature,” Johnson said. “The Trail Tale provides a way for kids to enjoy the outdoors and the story at the same time.”
B&L Engineering jumped at the opportunity to work with the library on the endeavor.
“We believe in community involvement and saw an opportunity to support a great initiative that promotes literacy and outdoor engagement,” co-owner Jordan Leaming said. “It was something we couldn’t pass up.”
Wade Yater of B&L designed the new signs. Yater worked closely with the library to meet the specific requirements and objectives. The new signs are made from durable materials and weather-proof finishes to ensure longevity and minimal maintenance. Wes Fruits powder-coated the signs for added protection.
Brian Keim, a library and park board member, stepped up to support the new signage. His company, BEK Enterprises, provided the posts.
“Hopefully when the community gets out on the trail, they will unplug from the internet, read the stories and enjoy nature,” Keim said.
The Gamma Xi chapter of the local Psi Iota Xi, a national philanthropic organization, was thrilled to become part of Trail Tales. Their platform sponsored art, music, literature, speech and hearing. They previously worked with the library to promote “Everyone Reads in Montgomery County.” However, since COVID, the program has not been revived.
“Trail Tales is a good way to promote reading and family time and positively impact the community,” said Jennifer Slavens, a Psi Iota Xi member. “It was a good way for us to invest financial resources that are fun, unique, and ongoing. We are happy to sponsor the stories.”
Tri-County Bank also made significant contributions to the new installation.
“As a community bank, I can’t think of a better way for us to promote exercise and literacy simultaneously on the trail,” said Steve McLaughlin, Tri-County Bank. “I anticipate that this will be something the community will enjoy for years to come, and we are proud to have helped make it happen. I can see taking my new grandson on a walk there very soon.”
The result is a beautiful new feature along the trail. Nunan is quite pleased with the outcome.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of the Sugar Creek Trail Tale,” Nunan said. “B&L Engineering for the design and fabrication of the story frames at a generous reduction in cost. Tri-County Bank and Valero Renewables graciously donated money to the project. We are so grateful to have the local Phantom Neon, who has been printing our stories since 2016.
“Thank you to the sorority Psi Iota Xi, who are now sponsoring the printing of our stories. A big thank you to Brian Keim of B&K Enterprises, who donated the signposts. And finally, a big shout out to Fawn of the Park and Rec and her maintenance crew, who installed the frames. Through their collective efforts, they have transformed a simple walking path into a journey of literacy and fun, enriching the lives of all who wander the trail.”
The popular project will install a second set of signs as a permanent feature at another location by the end of the year. A MIBOR grant for economic and community development will fund the second installation.
