City of Oakland Park launches Summer Reading Roll-out at Jaco Pastorius Park with free community event designed to promote literacy, creativity, and family engagement throughout the summer season

Oakland Park, Florida – Oakland Park is preparing to launch its summer reading season with a free community event designed to bring families together around books, creativity, and hands-on activities. The kickoff will take place this Saturday at 10:30 AM at Jaco Pastorius Park, where organizers are promising a morning filled with energy, learning, and fun.

This year’s theme, “Unearth Your Story – Dinosaur Edition!”, sets the tone for a playful and imaginative start to the Summer Reading Program. The idea is simple but engaging: connect children and families with reading through storytelling, discovery, and interactive experiences that feel more like adventure than homework.

Read also: Attorney General James Uthmeier announces conviction of Broward County man accused of leading a family cocaine trafficking network

The event will include Summer Reading Program sign-ups for families who want to participate throughout the season. Alongside registration, visitors will find interactive community booths offering educational resources, activities, and information from local organizations. The focus is not only on reading, but also on building connections between residents and community groups.

Children can expect a wide range of family-friendly activities spread throughout the park. From hands-on learning stations to creative games and giveaways, the morning is designed to keep young visitors engaged while encouraging them to explore books and storytelling in different ways.

One of the most talked-about highlights of the event is Dewey, a 7-foot dinosaur who will be greeting families and posing for photos. The larger-than-life character is expected to be a major attraction, especially for younger children who are just discovering the joy of reading and imagination.

Organizers say the goal of the event is to make literacy feel exciting and accessible, especially during the summer months when school is out and routines change. By turning reading into a shared community experience, they hope to encourage children to stay engaged with books while also enjoying their break.

Read also: City of Pompano Beach and Broward Sheriff’s Office announce gun buyback event aimed at reducing gun violence and improving community safety across local neighborhoods in early June

“Kids of all ages are welcome to attend this exciting event designed to encourage literacy, inspire imagination, and create memorable summer experiences for the entire community.”

The free event also serves as a reminder of the importance of early reading habits and family involvement in education. Staff and volunteers will be on site to guide families through the program and help them understand how to continue reading activities at home throughout the summer.

As anticipation builds for Saturday’s kickoff, city officials and community partners are preparing for a lively turnout. With its mix of storytelling, activities, and a friendly dinosaur mascot, the Summer Reading Roll-out aims to turn a simple morning in the park into the beginning of a season full of learning and imagination for Oakland Park families.