Drexel Storybook Trail Opens at Ro Huffman Center
Families in Drexel now have a new way to enjoy reading, walking, and spending time together outdoors.
The Drexel Storybook Trail was recently installed at the Ro Huffman Center, creating an interactive experience where children and families can read a story one page at a time while walking the trail.
The project was made possible through a partnership between Burke River Trail Association, the Town of Drexel, local Scout families, and community volunteers.
A special thank you goes to Drexel BSA Pack 225, which played a major role in both fundraising and implementation. Scout families contributed approximately $1,200 toward the $5,000 project cost and have committed to changing the featured book each month so families can enjoy new stories throughout the year. Donations are welcome to help purchase future books.
The Storybook Trail was installed with the help of Anna and Jacob Anderson and Scout Marcus, Jeni Digh Gunter and Scouts Hank and Jake, Joe and Lois Browning and Scout Sadie Grace, Jim Glick, Jenny Hughes, Eric Heile, Dan Hoyle, Bill Carroll, and Beth Heile.
The Town of Drexel was an important partner in the project. Recreation Director Lisa Butler laid out the trail route and coordinated installation efforts. The Drexel Public Works Department assisted by locating a water line prior to construction and providing tools needed to complete the project.
Volunteer efforts were greatly aided by Scout Leader Joe Browning, who brought an auger that helped speed installation of the sixteen Storybook Trail pedestals.
Storybook Trails combine literacy, outdoor recreation, and family engagement by displaying the pages of a children’s book along a walking route. As families move from station to station, they read the story together while enjoying time outdoors.
The Drexel Storybook Trail begins near the front steps of the Ro Huffman Center and is open to the public.
Burke River Trail Association provided seed funding for the project as part of its countywide Storybook Trail initiative. Through partnerships with local communities, the program is helping create destinations that encourage reading, healthy activity, and family connection across Burke County.
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped bring this project to life.
