'Story Path' installation at Lindsay Heights park encourages reading for Milwaukee families

Originally posted on cbs58.com

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The city of Milwaukee's Office of Early Childhood Initiatives (OECI) is building their "Mighty Small Moments" mission, to make parents the first teachers for children.We want to transform everyday places and spaces by doing our part to make sure parents have access to literacy and language-rich opportunities," said Dea Wright, OECI's director.

Their newest initiative brings reading opportunities to a favorite space for families - community parks.

"We're doing our part to prepare our children for kindergarten and for life," Wright said.

What started as a book for new moms in the NICU is now on display at a park in Lindsay Heights.

" 'Love, Baby' is a board book that was created to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of reading to their newborn baby," said author Melissa Kirgues.

Kirgues' book is the first official Story Path in Milwaukee, meaning there are signage installations on a paved pathway, showing each page of the book.

"Having it here as a Story Pathway makes it really accessible to families, to be in a comfortable, safe spot on a beautiful day, and go around the park and read," Kirgues said.

'Love, Baby' fits OECI's mission to help children learn and grow.

"Reading is very beneficial for a baby's brain to grow and increase developmental outcomes," Kirgues said.

The playground on N. 12th St. and W. Wright St. was chosen as Milwaukee's first Story Path location to bring more attention to the area.