By Dennis Volkert
Sturgis City Commission on Sept. 13 approved a request from Sturgis District Library to replace temporary posts with permanent posts for its “story walk/poetry walk” feature at Thurston Woods Park.
In August, the Parks, Recreation, and Doyle Community Center Board reviewed the request and recommended it for approval.
The story walk/poetry walk runs along the interior walking path of the park and has been used at the park for the past three years. The storyboards feature work from local writers and artists.
Library officials have found it difficult to remove and replace the temporary posts on a seasonal basis, when the ground is hard either from lack of moisture or freezing, so they sought a solution to install permanent signage.
The storyboards are to be placed about 20 inches from the walking path and spaced accordingly, parks supervisor Anthony VanNest told city commissioners. Twenty-five aluminum posts will be installed by a professional fencing company. Location of the posts should not pose a problem for snow removal
The library will cover all expense associated with the project.
In cases of vandalism, the library is responsible for replacement of any damaged items. No incidents of vandalism have occurred since the posts were installed, VanNest said.
Commission member Linda Harrington said the feature is “a great idea” and supports the initiative.
“I’ve gone with my 14-year-old dog. We go slow, so I’ve read every one of (the story boards),” Harrington said. “My dog loves the posts,” she joked.