According to Kentucky Center for Statistics (2020), Montgomery County kindergarten readiness rates were 32.6% by the age of 5 compared to Kentucky at 51.% in 2020. This is a large number of children in Montgomery County who are not effectively prepared. 

Work-family time balance is a common challenge to many American families. In 2018, a survey showed that American families only spend just 37 minutes of quality time together per day on weekdays (Renner, 2018.) 

Inactivity or lack of physical activity is a low-ranking health behavior that needs improvement. In 2019, the physical inactivity in Montgomery County was at 35% compared to the access to exercise opportunities at 67% (County Health Ranking, 2021). 

To address this issue, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Leadership Montgomery County to implement a Story Walk. A Story Walk is a fun activity that engages families in literacy and getting active. Pages from a children’s book are printed and placed in displays alongside a walking trail at Bott's Park. Families have fun reading aloud together and building children's interest in reading while enjoying the health and benefits of exercise and in a setting other than classroom style. 

This project has been recently installed and is available for use. Thus far, we have had several families throughout the community utilizing the Story Walk Project. Mount Sterling Elementary Schools Librarian has scheduled for classes to walk the trail and read the books thought out spring, summer, and fall - weather permitting. 

The Mt. Sterling Public Library has adopted the Story Walk and is responsible for maintaining and changing the books minimally once per month to keep the project fresh.