Rutherford College Storybook Trail Opens Along Greenway
Families visiting Rutherford College now have a new opportunity to combine reading, walking, and outdoor recreation thanks to the completion of the Rutherford College Storybook Trail.
Located along the town’s quarter-mile greenway, the Storybook Trail allows children and families to enjoy a story one page at a time while walking the trail. The first featured book is The Pout-Pout Fish.
The project was made possible through a partnership between Burke River Trail Association, the Town of Rutherford College, local donors, and community volunteers.
A special thank you goes to Jonathan Holden Construction, whose $1,000 contribution helped make the project possible. Jonathan Holden also volunteered his time and expertise by leading the installation workday, bringing equipment to speed construction and helping ensure the project was completed professionally.
“Jonathan didn’t just write a check,” said Beth Heile, Executive Director of Burke River Trail Association. “He rolled up his sleeves, brought the tools, and helped lead the project from start to finish.”
Volunteer installers included Jonathan Holden, Amanda Holden, James Glick, Eric Heile, Jessica Bargsley, and Beth Heile.
Jonathan’s auger made quick work of installing the sixteen Storybook Trail pedestals, while additional finishing touches—including trail cleanup and straw around the pedestals—helped create a welcoming experience for visitors.
The Town of Rutherford College was also an important partner in the project. Zeke laid out the pedestal locations along the greenway, while Town Manager Jessica Bargsley helped coordinate the effort. As fundraising neared completion, the Town stepped forward to close the final $800 funding gap, ensuring the project could move forward. An alderman also contributed personally to support the initiative.
Storybook Trails combine literacy and outdoor recreation by displaying the pages of a children’s book along a walking route. Families can read together while enjoying fresh air, exercise, and time outdoors.
The Rutherford College Storybook Trail is part of Burke River Trail Association’s countywide Storybook Trail initiative, which encourages literacy, healthy activity, and family engagement while creating new destinations within local communities.
Burke River Trail Association thanks all donors, volunteers, town staff, and community partners who helped bring this project to life. Projects like this succeed when community members contribute their time, talent, and treasure—and Jonathan Holden Construction did all three.
