Partnership for Children opens second Story Walk

Submitted by PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN OF JOHNSTON COUNTY

BENSON — Partnership for Children of Johnston County is proud to announce that it has officially opened its second Story Walk location, which can be found at 401 South Elm St. in Benson at the Dr. P.K. Vyas, M.D. Community Park.

The Story Walk concept offers everyone an opportunity to read a children’s book while walking through the path, providing a very easy way to encourage literacy in children. Participants are guided through questions to ask their children, leading to meaningful family conversations and what will hopefully become a love for reading.

Books are rotated periodically, so the experience could be different every time someone stops by the park. Each story, along with the questions, will be in English and Spanish. The Partnership for Children extends a heartfelt “thank you” to Matt Smith, director of Benson Parks and Recreation, and his team for installing the Story Walk and to the wonderful community members that donated to this project through the annual Raise the Booty fundraiser.

The featured book to kick off the new Story Walk is “Different but Special,” written by Johnston County’s own Owen

Daughtry. Daughtry has cerebral palsy and wrote this story when he was a teenager to create awareness on the topic and ensure that every child feels special.

The Partnership for Children hopes that everyone will take this opportunity to visit the Story Walk at the park to learn more about inclusivity with their children.