The 91原创 Literacy Network is vowing to keep its outdoor reading installations alive, despite recurring vandalism that has damaged one of its StoryWalks at Parkside Centennial Elementary in Aldergrove.
The incident was reported on social media by Aldergrove resident Alysha Stevens on the morning of Friday, Aug. 8. Stevens wrote that vandals had likely been 鈥渟mashing Plexiglass, scattering dangerous shards all over the hopscotch area, and bending several of the display frames.鈥�
A story walk is an activity combining physical movement and literacy, with laminated pages of a children鈥檚 book displayed one by one along a path.
"We frequent the park quite often and they also love reading," Stevens said of her three daughters.
The Parkside site is one of only three permanent StoryWalk in 91原创. Alicia Rempel, treasurer of the 91原创 Literacy Network and executive director of the 91原创 School District Foundation, said the StoryWalk have always been a 鈥渓abour of love.鈥�
Rempel said families, kids, and seniors alike enjoy the StoryWalk, adding that she loved seeing people鈥檚 excitement when she and her husband used to change the displays.
Generally, each literacy network installation includes 16 to 20 panels, each costing around $400 to construct, with protective Plexiglass panels priced at about $50 each for replacement. Rempel noted that the total cost for installation and materials at each site is approximately $10,000.
Rempel said the school site was initially chosen because its open spaces generally deter vandalism 鈥� unlike a previous StoryWalk on a 91原创 City trail, which was repeatedly damaged and eventually removed by the City, at the request of 91原创 Literacy Network.
Stevens said there have been previous incidents of vandalism near Parkside.
"Last year, there was a firework set off in the jungle gym slide. It melted a hole in the bottom of the slide," she said.
According to Stevens, the slide was closed off by the school because it was deemed unsafe to use.
Stevens said in an ideal world, she would like the school to get some outdoor security cameras to make sure the grounds stay safe or to deter vandals.
Rempel confirmed the literacy network will assess the extent of the damage at Parkside, likely replacing the displa,y and considering further preventative measures.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really disappointing,鈥� said Rempel. 鈥淲e will do our best to not let this deter us. These projects matter. They spread joy.鈥�
