Warsaw Community Public Library youth services staff members Stephanie Goodwin and Sarah Overstreet show the new StoryWalk story, “Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep: Baad Hair Day.” Photo provided by Warsaw Community Public Library.

By Sara Maseman
Youth Services
Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — As the weather warms and the trails at Beyer Park begin to thaw, visitors can look forward to a new and charming addition to the StoryWalk: “Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep: Baaad Hair Day.” Set to be installed by the end of the month, this delightful story follows Sheep, who adores her naturally curly wool — until it grows out of control. Families can stroll along the Beyer Park Trail, from the Fireman’s Building near Pike Lake to the boardwalk, while enjoying the story of Sheep’s woolly predicament.

For the past few months, visitors to the StoryWalk have had the chance to meet Bruce, a grumpy bear with little patience for cute animals. The StoryWalk is designed to encourage early literacy, physical activity and a love for reading, all while taking in the beauty of nature. Each post along the trail features a page of a children’s book with Spanish translations, ensuring that the experience is inclusive and accessible to a larger portion of the community.

StoryWalks are beloved programs in communities across the country. In Warsaw, the StoryWalk has become a popular way for families to spend time together outdoors, fostering a love of reading and a sense of connection to nature.

“The StoryWalk provides numerous benefits to our community,” said a Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson. “It encourages families to spend time outdoors, supports early literacy, promotes physical well-being and helps bring people together to enjoy stories in nature.”

The StoryWalk is a true community effort made possible through the collaboration and support of several local organizations. The Friends of the Warsaw Community Public Library, the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department, the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw and the Warsaw Noon Optimist Club have all played a role in bringing this project to life and helping it continue to grow. Their dedication to literacy, outdoor engagement and community enrichment ensures that families can enjoy the StoryWalk for years to come.

As the StoryWalk continues to grow in popularity, it remains a fun and interactive way to combine reading, nature and movement. Be sure to visit Beyer Park this spring and enjoy the whimsical world of “Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep: Baaad Hair Day” while taking a leisurely walk along the trail.

With each new story, the StoryWalk offers families a fresh way to experience the joy of reading — one step at a time.