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July 03, 2026

Where Every Family Matters

New Storybook Trail at Patterson Park Community Center

This space invites families and neighbors to learn, play and build community where they live.

United Way of South Central Tennessee (UWSCTN) has officially opened its second Storybook Trail in Rutherford County at the Patterson Park Community Center in Murfreesboro.

Photo courtesy of the City of Murfreesboro.

In partnership with the City of Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation and the MGL Memorial Library, UWSCTN selected the book We Share This Neighborhood, by Dan Saks and illustrated by Brooke Smart to honor the local community. The Storybook Trail neighbors the new splash pad and playground installed at Patterson Park in the fall of 2025.

What is a Storybook Trail? The Storybook Trail presents a children’s storybook on child-height panels along a short trail to promote adult-child interaction around books and nature.

“The Storybook Trail is proof of what we can build when we work toward a common vision — a community where everyone belongs and has what they need to flourish,” shares Kristen Swann, UWSCTN President and CEO. “At United Way, we know that access to spaces like this one can open doors for families and spark a lifelong love of learning in our youngest neighbors. We look forward to watching this trail become a beloved part of our community.”

The Storybook Trail is made possible by the following partners: Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), Ingram Content Group, City of Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, MGL Memorial Library, and United Way of South Central Tennessee.

To learn more about United Way of South Central Tennessee and the initiatives to support youth opportunities, visit yourlocaluw.org.

 

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About the Author

Michael Aldrich

Michael Aldrich is Nashville Parent's Managing Editor and a Middle Tennessee arts writer. He and his wife, Alison, are the proud parents of 6-year-old Ezra and 2-year-old Norah.