New StoryWalk Featuring Professor Nincompoop now open at Joplin's Leonard Park

One Joplin is excited to announce the installation of Professor Nincompoop, the newest featured book along the Leonard Park StoryWalk®.

Made possible through the generous sponsorship of OWN Engineering, the new story will be on display through January.

The latest StoryWalk® adventure introduces families to Professor Nincompoop, an eccentric scientist who believes he's discovered a brand-new animal species that will earn him a place in the Professors Hall of Fame. But when two curious kids, Nick and Tess, begin questioning his outrageous claims, they set out to uncover the truth. Filled with humor, imagination, and unexpected discoveries, the story encourages young readers to ask questions, think critically, and discover that things aren't always what they seem.

Families are encouraged to bundle up, head outdoors, and enjoy a little reading adventure together! The StoryWalk® combines the joy of reading with the benefits of fresh air, physical activity, and quality family time. Pages of the featured book are displayed along the park's paved trail, allowing visitors to experience the story one page at a time as they explore the park.

"Story Walks are a wonderful way to encourage families to unplug, get moving, and enjoy time together," said Nicole Brown, Executive Director of One Joplin. "We are grateful to OWN Engineering for sponsoring this installation and helping us bring another fun literacy experience to our community. We hope families will take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a great story while exploring Leonard Park."

Presented in partnership with Joplin Parks and Recreation, the Leonard Park StoryWalk® is part of One Joplin's ongoing efforts to promote literacy, family engagement, and healthy outdoor activity by bringing books into community spaces where families already gather, play, and explore.

The StoryWalk® is free and open to the public. Families can visit Leonard Park, located at 408 Turk Avenue in Joplin, at their convenience to enjoy Professor Nincompoop through January.

Whether you're looking for a fun family outing, a reason to get outside, or a new way to encourage a love of reading, the Leonard Park StoryWalk® offers adventure for everyone!

For more information about One Joplin and the Thrive Project, visit OneJoplin.com.

About One Joplin

One Joplin brings people and organizations together to improve health, education, and economic well-being so every person in the Joplin region can thrive.