June 25, 2024 - This July and August, children ages 3 to 6 can again enjoy the Park and Read program that was introduced and immensely enjoyed last summer. This entrancing read-aloud program that sparks young children’s love of reading will be held this year at Lenoir Preserve, Saxon Woods Park and Kensico Dam Plaza.
The engaging initiative will again be organized by Westchester County Director of Programs and Policies, Childcare & Education Roseanne Finizio in collaboration with the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival founder and Executive Director Dawn Greenberg.
Park and Read will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from July 9 through August 15, from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., and feature interactive storytelling sessions in English and Spanish. Seasoned and notable narrators will bring stories to life by creating a vibrant and immersive environment for youngsters 3 to 6 years old and families to enjoy.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Our Park and Read stories stimulate young listeners’ imaginations and transport them to magical worlds. Each tale ignites their curiosity and creativity while helping them develop language skills and expand their vocabularies.”
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor said: “The tranquil backdrop of our exquisite parks set the perfect stage for learning. It’s the perfect pairing of education in the great outdoors.”
Finizio said: “When children love to read, it encourages them to be independent and self-reliant. They learn to entertain themselves and seek knowledge on their own. That’s the goal of the Park and Read program. Reading also introduces children to a wide range of cultures and histories, which promotes cultural awareness and understanding.”
The 2024 program schedule:
- Lenoir Preserve: Tuesdays: July 9, 16, 23, 30; August 6, 13.
19 Dudley St., Yonkers. The fire circle. - Saxon Woods Park: Wednesdays: July 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7, 14.
1800 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. The grass area adjacent to the children’s playground (in the Pavilion during inclement weather). - Kensico Dam Plaza: Thursdays: July 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15.
1 Bronx River Pkwy., Valhalla. The grass area outside of office.
The Park and Read program welcomes children accompanied by a guardian. Participants must be Westchester County residents. Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Greenberg said: “We at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival were overjoyed that so many children and their families welcomed last summer’s Park and Read program so enthusiastically. Children who love to read are more likely to develop a lifelong habit of learning, contributing to their personal and professional growth.”
For more information about the Park and Read program, please email or call (914) 995-2501. Additional information.
About the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival: This annual event held in Chappaqua, NY, celebrates children’s literature and authors. With a mission to inspire a love for reading and learning, the festival brings together authors, illustrators and families for a day filled with literary activities, book signings and storytelling sessions.