Port Fun Park in Mathews has two new improvements for the public’s convenience and enjoyment.

Trail Tales, a reading trail for children, was installed this week, thanks to Mathews Memorial Library and Friends of the Library.

MML Director Bette Dillehay said that the library, faced with challenges presented by COVID-19, had sought ways in which to create virtual programs for public access.

“In the process, it became apparent that many of our patrons were not able to connect with us due to lack of technological devices and internet service,” she said.

The library looked at alternative methods to connect with the public, and hit on the idea of “Trail Tales,” a series of signposts around the park that display the pages of a book. Books that are purchased for display are laminated, said Dillehay, and the reading selections will be changed monthly.

The project cost $4,000, of which $3,693 came from library funds and the remainder from Friends of the Library.

For more information about the Trail Tales program, call the library at 804-725-5747.

Sidewalk

In addition, a sidewalk that will make the playground more ADA accessible was completed by the Building Department last week. Precise Concrete Service installed the sidewalk and also hauled in loads of dirt to fill under the trees, at a cost of $6,300.