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One Joplin invites the community to celebrate the opening of a new story installation at the Leonard Park Story Walk. The unveiling will take place on Thursday, September 25, at 9:00 a.m. at Leonard Park, 408 Turk Avenue, Joplin. The free event will include photos with Southwest Missouri Bank’s Moola Moola, Joplin Parents as Teachers Resources, and a children’s book giveaway. The newest story installation features School is More Than a Building by author and illustrator Kelley Donner. The book reminds children and families that school is not just a place to learn, but a vibrant community full of teachers, friends, and shared experiences.
This project is a collaboration between One Joplin, Southwest Missouri Bank, and Joplin Parks and Recreation, reflecting a strong community commitment to supporting literacy, creativity, and outdoor family activities.
“StoryWalks® turn reading into an adventure,” said Nicole Brown, Executive Director of One Joplin. “It’s incredible to see families laughing, talking, and exploring together while enjoying a story. We are grateful to Southwest Missouri Bank and Joplin Parks and Recreation for helping us make this possible.”
Jessica Pommert, Co-Chair of the One Joplin Education and Literacy Team, added, “This installation highlights how partnerships can create joyful learning opportunities. It’s about building stronger connections between children, families, and the community.”
School is More Than a Building will remain on display through November 2025, offering families several months to enjoy the story outdoors. Another StoryWalk® is also available at the Joplin Public Library.
Looking ahead, Christina Matekel-Gibson, Co-Chair of the One Joplin Education and Literacy Team and Children’s Librarian at Joplin Public Library, shared the team’s vision: “We want StoryWalks® to become a regular part of Joplin life. Our dream is to create a rotation of stories across multiple parks and public spaces so families can enjoy something new every season.”
One Joplin leads collaborative initiatives focused on education, literacy, health, and poverty. The rotating story installation is one example of how partnerships and creativity can bring families together and inspire a love of reading.
The StoryWalk® Project was originally created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, in partnership with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. It has since grown into a national movement to integrate reading and outdoor recreation.
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Event Details
📖 What: Unveiling Ceremony – StoryWalk® featuring School is More Than a Building by Kelley Donner
📍 Where: Leonard Park, 408 Turk Avenue, Joplin
📅 When: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
🎉 Who: Free and open to the public – families, educators, and community members encouraged to attend
For more information about One Joplin and community literacy efforts, visit www.onejoplin.com or contact:
Nicole Brown, Executive Director
📧 [email protected] | ☎ 417-726-9123
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
408 Turk Ave, Joplin, MO 64801-1686, United States
