LeVar Burton celebrates the 2nd anniversary of Sacramento park named after him

At the opening of LeVar Burton Park in Sacramento, California (2019). Image City of Sacramento

JUNE 14, 2021 - In 2019, Richfield Park in the Meadowview community in Sacramento, California was renamed in honor of Star Trek: The Next Generation actor and upcoming Jeopardy! guest host LeVar Burton. The park’s new name was chosen to commemorate Burton’s efforts as an activist and literacy advocate. Burton grew up just a few blocks from the park, and, two years after the park was renamed, both Burton and local news station KCRA-3 took notice of the anniversary.

On social media last Friday, Burton shared photos of the unveiling of the “LeVar Burton Park” sign in 2019, along with a comment that read, “[It] still blows my mind. My hometown did this 2 years ago today #sacramentoproud”.

Still blows my mind! My hometown did this 2 years ago today. #sacramentoproud#bydhttmwfi pic.twitter.com/L1vteJKB0y

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) June 11, 2021

On June 11, 2019, LeVar Burton park was christened in an outdoor celebration of more than 200 guests, which Burton attended. The date was also designated as “LeVar Burton Day”. At the time, Burton told KCRA the renaming of the park was a “special honor” and he reflected on his time as a child in the neighborhood. “Sacramento was like floating down the river in the summer,” Burton said, “just a real lovely place to grow up."

You can see Burton’s full 2019 interview with KCRA-3 on YouTube. Of course, if you happen to be in the area, you can check out LeVar Burton Park for yourself, located at 1900 Expedition Way, in Sacramento, California.