Villa Park families will soon have a new way to combine reading and outdoor recreation at North Terrace Park.

The village will celebrate the opening of a permanent Story Stroll along the park’s half-mile path with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23.

The project places weatherproof story panels along the walking route, allowing children and their families to read a book one page at a time while moving through the park.

DATE: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026

TIME: 3–4 p.m.

LOCATION: North Terrace Park, 300 N. Westmore Ave., Villa Park

The new attraction was made possible through fundraising by the Friends of the Villa Park Public Library.

The Friends partnered with the Villa Park Public Library and the village’s Parks and Recreation Department to bring the project to the park.

The featured story will change quarterly, giving families a reason to return throughout the year and discover a new book along the same walking path.

The rotating format also allows the library and recreation department to highlight different themes, seasons and age-appropriate selections over time.

Story walks have become popular because they encourage early literacy, family conversation and physical activity in one free outing.

Children can move from panel to panel at their own pace, while caregivers can pause to read, talk about the illustrations and enjoy the park.

The first featured story will be revealed when visitors arrive.

The ribbon cutting is open to families and community members who want to explore the completed installation and walk the route.

North Terrace Park is located at 300 N. Westmore Ave. in Villa Park.

After the opening, the Story Stroll will remain available as an ongoing park amenity rather than a one-day program.

The partnership gives Villa Park a lasting literacy feature that connects the library’s mission with the community’s parks and trails.