"I thank the author Karen E Franks for her contribution to this project and her captivating children's story, Abigails Dream Adventures, which provides the foundation for this educational experience," said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP.
The Minister today threw his full support behind the collaboration between the Department of Parks and the Bermuda National Library's Youth Division to implement the inaugural StoryWalk at The Botanical Parks.
The StoryWalk begins under the Ficus trees near the old Parks Office building. It then takes visitors through the sensory garden, into the palm collection, and concludes at the bottom of the Celebration Lawn.
It is an interactive way for adults and their young children or grandchildren to combine literacy skills and healthy exercise as they walk to each of the seven reading stations while enjoying the beauty of the Gardens.
The stations coincide with the adventures outlined in the story. The activity combines exercise and reading to further enhance health and literacy in children and adults.
The Storywalk, funded by Deloitte, features storyboards with QR codes linking to websites, activities, and other relevant resources.
The initiative is a free community activity accessible during normal park hours. The first instalment at the Gardens features the first book of Abigail's Dream Adventures series, "My Friends and Me," written by Bermudian author Karen E Franks.
Minister Burch, who officially unveiled the project today, explained: "The StoryWalk Concept was first created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
"We are thrilled to bring this concept to Bermuda. The installations were made possible thanks to Deloitte's generous sponsorship and the skilled craftsmanship of Bobby Degraff of Crafty Carpenters & Maintenance, who completed the signage posts installed by our Department of Parks' maintenance team along the route."
Jimmy Caplice, Partner, Deloitte, commented: “Deloitte is proud to be working with the Department of Parks and Bermuda National Library to bring the StoryWalk to life. It is a privilege to support projects like these. Making an impact that matters in our community.
“We hope everyone enjoys the adventure of following Karen's story throughout the beautiful grounds at Botanical Gardens."
Marla Smith, Youth Services Librarian at the Bermuda National Library, also stated: "Abigail's Dream Adventures aims to inspire children to dream through reading and encourage them to use their imagination and creativity to make all their dreams come true.
"With its attractive presentation and vivid illustrations, this concept will surely be a big hit for children and adults alike."
Ms Franks added: “I wish to thank the Minister, the Department of Parks, Deloitte and the Bermuda National Library for this incredible opportunity.
"The Storywalk initiative is a fantastic way for children and the community to engage in nature-based and interactive learning, and I am thrilled to be the first author to be a part of this initiative."
The next Storywalk, featuring a book by another local author, will be installed in partnership with the Bermuda National Trust.
Following today's unveiling ceremony at the Botanical Gardens, Minister Burch ceremonially planted a Thurston Palm tree near the Celebration Lawn in honour of the Storywalk project.
For information about the wide range of library services available, visit www.bnl.bm or follow the X handle @BdaNatLib1, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BermudaNationalLibrary and Instagram @bdalibrary.
Additionally, follow Karen Franks ADA Group Holdings Limited at www.abigailsdreamadventures.com.