STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Friday morning, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and family traveled to Rescue Ranch for a special dedication.
The ranch promotes, through its education, respect for all animals as well as agricultural, environmental and wildlife conservation in addition to facilitating rehabilitation, rescue and responsible pet ownership to enhance the human-animal bond.
And this weekend, a brand new feature opened -- the Earnhardt Family Playground.
"We always look for great opportunities to give back to our community and sort of leave a mark here for everything that we've been given," Earnhardt said. "It's always fun to give back. This was just a really unique opportunity to help grow Rescue Ranch -- they're doing some really amazing things."
Earlier this year, Earnhardt and wife Amy visited the ranch and spent time with many of the animals. Founded by fellow NASCAR competitor Ryan Newman and his wife Krissie, the ranch wanted to add a playground that would be accessible to all children, including those with special needs.
Earnhardt knew right away he and his family wanted to be a part of the mission.
"We really were excited and honored, actually, to have an opportunity to be a part of it," he said. "We're just really excited for the opportunity to put our family name on this."
And after seeing the brand new Earnhardt Family Playground in person?
"It looks incredible," he said.
The driver posted a live Periscope video of the dedication ceremony, which you can watch below.