Grab your favorite book and find a shady spot to journey on the Reading Rainbow at the new LeVar Burton Park.
The former Richfield Park in Sacramento, California has been renamed in honor of Burton, an Emmy-winning Sacramento-native and former host of PBS’ Reading Rainbow. In addition to hosting the long-running series, Burton also starred in Star Trek: The Next Generation and the television miniseries Roots.
My heart is full. Thank you, #Sacramento for making a hometown kid feel SO much love! pic.twitter.com/VGq78pN4Tz
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) June 12, 2019
During the park’s dedication ceremony Sacramento mayor Darrell Steinberg explained that the city decided to name the park after Burton because his successful career might inspire local kids to achieve their own dreams and goals.
“This is the neighborhood where I grew up. [I grew up] just down the street and around the corner,” Burton told CBS News. “We just came from John Still [Middle School] and my message to the kids was ‘If I can do it, so can you.’”
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: LeVar Burton via Twitter
RELATED STORIES
Kids Can Earn Free Books from Barnes & Noble This Summer
This Theater Is Offering Free Movies for Kids Who Read Books
The Scholastic Summer Reading Aims to Beat the Summer Break Brain Drain