Kowhai Park StoryWalk®

A second StoryWalk® for the Manawatū District was unveiled on Monday, 3 July 2023 at Feilding's, Kōwhai Park in the bush area next to the new kids' playground. Following the success of StoryWalk at Mt Lees Reserve in November last year, the library team have brought another children’s story to life.

With permission from Gecko Press, the library team have replicated Juliette MacIver ’s story That’s Not A Hippopotamus, Illustrated by Sarah Davis, directly onto boards into the park surroundings. It is also translated into a Te Reo Māori version, Te Hipo Huna, with the permission of translator Karena Kelly for its use.

The Manawatū District Council Parks Team have been hard at work improving the bush area of the park, to ensure that it’s accessible for all. With the new addition of gravel paths, seating, planting and new bridges. Work will continue in the area to make the space more inviting.

Lola Christian sent the library a message saying "Thank you so much for such an awesome idea! My children Isabella and Charlotte enjoyed the creative way of reading while walking through our favourite bush-walk. The most exciting part of the walk was finding The Hippo." Ronald Nolan from Lytton Street School commented, "Awesome idea thank you, especially the carved Hippo." Ka rawe ōu mahi!

During the StoryWalk®, there is an amazingly carved Hippopotamus to find carved by local Duncan Foord. The StoryWalk® is a fun and interactive way for children and adults to enjoy the outdoors. This StoryWalk® will be a permanent feature, which will be enjoyed by many generations to come.