Ark City’s Lovie Watson Park was filled Tuesday with the sounds of children laughing and playing as they learned the importance of reading and early literacy in young children.
The Read & Stroll event offered kids the chance to immerse themselves in stories at various reading stations, while also participating in games and other fun activities, according to USD 470 spokesperson Alisha Call. REACH Infant-Toddler Services and the Ark City Public Library partnered with the Ark City PreK program to host the event.
Attendance was good for a program that also helped parents discover valuable local resources that support their children’s education, organizers said.
“We were thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout for the ‘Read & Stroll’ event,” said Tara Taylor, Director of Cowley County Head Start. “It was inspiring to witness families coming together to celebrate the importance of early literacy and to provide their children with enriching experiences that will set them up for success in school and beyond.”
The following community organizations were represented at the outreach event: Arkansas City Public Schools, Arkansas City Police Department, Arkansas City Public Library, Child Start, Cowley College Early Childhood Education Program, Cowley County Head Start, Cowley County K-State Research and Extension, Kansas Children’s Service League, Kansas Department of Children and Families, REACH Infant Toddler Services, Rogers Family Dentistry, and Safe Kids Cowley County.
The event was meant to showcase the community’s commitment to nurturing young minds and empowering families with the tools to promote literacy at home.
“We are grateful for the support of our community partners and volunteers who helped make this event possible,” added Emilee Wilke, Early Intervention Program Coordinator for REACH. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of children and families in Ark City, laying the foundation for a brighter future.”
