TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Thursday morning, the Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI), Leon County Government, and the Friends of the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library unveiled the first installment of the Fully Booked placemaking project at Pedrick Pond Park outside the Leon County Eastside Branch Library.
The Fully Booked Project, envisioned by the 2022 KCCI Community Catalyst Team, aims to open a world of possibilities through nature and reading.
“The county is proud of our continued partnership with KCCI to bring creative projects like the Wander & Wonder Story Trail into the community for all to enjoy,” said Leon County Chairman Bill Proctor. “Reading is the foundation for learning, and this story trail is an opportunity for families to build literacy skills together while exploring the great outdoors.”
The project includes the Wander & Wonder Trail at Pedrick Park. The nearly half-mile trail is set to create a place that promotes mental and physical health, as well as inspire literacy among the visitors through art.
“Tallahassee is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the region,” said Ericka McKibbin, KCCI Catalyst. “We are excited to welcome the community to discover not only our parks but also our libraries in a new way.”
Pedrick Park also features places to relax with book themed benches and a hammock garden. Visitors can check out hammocks inside the Eastside Branch Library using alibrary card or visitors can bring their own.
“The Fully Booked project is a unique opportunity for residents to experience the County’s trails while exploring what’s available at the County’s beautiful Eastside Library,” said Leon County District 5 Commissioner Kristin Dozier. “From relaxing hammocks to artistic book benches, residents of all ages will find something to love along the trail at Pedrick Pond Park.”
The first featured book will be ""Señorita Mariposa" by Ben Gundersheimer and books along the trail will be updated periodically.
This book includes text in English and Spanish and follows monarch butterflies as they migrate from Canada to Mexico. Panels throughout the trail will also include questions and a plant or animal found in the area, creating an interactive experience for families.
“The Fully Booked project will inspire residents to get outdoors, get reading and get moving,” said Betsy Couch, KCCI Executive Director. “The LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library System will manage changing out the books on the Wander & Wonder trail so there will be ever changing reasons to read, walk and explore.”
Two additional Wander & Wonder trails will be opened in September:
- Thursday, September 8 at 10 a.m. outside the Leon County Fort Braden Branch Library.
- Thursday, September 22 at 10 a.m. outside the Leon County J. Lewis Hall Sr. Woodville Park and Recreation Complex.
“People think libraries are for rainy days, but now I think a beautiful sunny day is the perfect time to visit. Come in and check out a book, then stretch out in a hammock or take it with you on a hike. You’ll be glad you did,” said Dale Grigas, president of the Friends of the LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library.
More information about the Wander & Wonder Trail can be found at LeonCountyLibrary.org/WanderAndWonder.
For more information about KCCI and past KCCI Community Catalyst projects, visit KCCITallahassee.com.
