Josie loved to be outside exploring the world, and to be doing it her own way. She would frequently enlist grown-ups to walk with her between her house and the Dell, a small pond surrounded by paths and woods. There is a direct and paved route, but Josie rarely took it. She was always looking for new ways to make the trip longer and more fun. 

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One day Josie’s path back from the pond took her past an old house, which was now being used by the University as offices. Josie got off the paved path and led the way across the grassy yard, through the English Ivy in front of the house, and finally, down a path that led from the front entrance to the street and was inlaid with etched marble blocks. One benefit of being four is that letters etched in marble spell whatever you want. So Josie said “that says ‘Josie’s Way.’” From that day on, it was her preferred path to the Dell and she would declare to whoever was lucky enough to be following her: “That says Josie’s Way.” 

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Now we are building another Josie’s Way, a public trail and space for kids’ outdoor play at Pen Park, in partnership with Charlottesville Parks and Recreation and Bennett’s Village. Construction of the main trail will be completed by the Party in the Park event on April 27, 2025.  We expect the space to continue to evolve to best serve kids. But there will always be places to go over creeks and underneath trees. There will be places to get muddy, to soak your feet, to have a snack with friends, to scrape your arm on a pricker, and to be with your thoughts. 

As with her jokes, “Josie’s Ways” keep spreading. There are paths inspired by Josie in woods, neighborhoods, and backyards all over her hometown and beyond, from Tennessee to New York to Sweden. If you are so moved, we think you will have fun making a “Josie’s Way” of your own.​