By Tony E. Windsor
Plans for a Laurel Public Library outdoor story walk was revised Monday night after town officials agreed to relocate the project from Tidewater Park to Market Square Park, following additional discussion and public concerns raised after an earlier approval.
The proposal, known as a “story walk” or “story trail,” was initially approved for Tidewater Park at a previous council meeting. However, Town Manager Jamie Smith told the Mayor and Council that concerns were later raised regarding the cultural significance of Tidewater Park, prompting library officials to reconsider the location.
Library representative Stacey Lane returned to the council meeting to request the change, explaining that Market Square Park may be better suited for the project. She noted that the park is already used regularly by the library for outreach activities such as block parties and public events and would allow staff to more easily monitor and update the display.
“We decided it might be better suited in Market Street Park,” Lane said, adding that the move would avoid questions about the integrity and historical purpose of Tidewater Park while still allowing the project to move forward
Town officials said the relocation would require further review because of irrigation lines and underground utilities at Market Square Park. Smith said staff want to ensure the installation will not interfere with existing water or electrical infrastructure before final placement is approved.
Council members discussed granting contingent approval, allowing town staff, public works officials and library representatives to meet on-site later to walk the park and determine whether the layout would work. The council agreed that if the site proves unsuitable, adjustments could still be made before any installation begins.
During the discussion, officials also addressed concerns about public use of the park. Library staff said they have not experienced issues during previous events at Market Square Park and emphasized the project’s goal of encouraging literacy, family engagement and use of public spaces.
The project was first introduced to Mayor and Council at a previous meeting by Lane as part of a teen-led initiative aimed at promoting a smoke- and vape-free community. Lane explained at that time that the library had received a mini-grant from the American Lung Association to support youth advocacy efforts through its long-running Kick Butts Generation Group.
Lane told council members the teens themselves developed the concept of an outdoor reading experience, requesting permission to install a 16-station “Trail Tale” along the perimeter of Tidewater Park. While similar in format to a licensed Story Walk, Lane said the project would operate under an alternative name to avoid copyright restrictions and licensing fees.
The initial installation was planned to feature artwork created through a communitywide poster contest for students in grades two through seven, an age group the teens identified as particularly vulnerable to early peer pressure related to smoking and vaping. Lane said future displays would rotate about every six months and would be fully maintained by the library at no cost to the town.
During that earlier presentation, council members raised questions about layout, safety and compatibility with Tidewater Park’s existing features, including its Nanticoke Indian theme. Lane said she was open to working with town staff on placement and indicated that after the initial anti-smoking display, future story themes could reflect local history and culture.
During the most recent Council meeting on Dec. 15 the council ultimately approved the relocation on a contingent basis, allowing the library and town staff to continue planning while reviewing logistical details. Library officials said the project will move forward once those issues are resolved and a final layout is confirmed.
