Turlock Sets October 27 Opening Celebration for New John Lazar Park: Location, Amenities and What to Expect

TURLOCK, Stanislaus County — October 23, 2026. Turlock has invited residents to celebrate the opening of the new John Lazar Park on Tuesday, October 27, at 1 p.m. The city places the park at 3650 Bethpage Street and describes a free public ceremony, according to its October 16 press announcement.

What has been built?

City officials describe roughly 3.5 acres of landscaped neighborhood space. The plans include two playgrounds serving different age groups, picnic areas with shade, barbecue facilities and open lawns. The city also highlights a landscaped walkway connecting surrounding neighborhoods. These features make the project relevant to parents, people walking nearby and residents looking for an outdoor space without a long drive.

Why the name John Lazar?

According to the city, the park honors the former Turlock mayor’s 22 years of City Council service, including eight years as mayor. City officials have pointed to his work around downtown revitalization, agricultural land and economic development. A dedication is a civic remembrance; it does not mean the new park’s operations or maintenance budget has been separately evaluated in this report.

What happens on October 27?

The announced opening program includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from city leaders and John Lazar, and light refreshments. The event is advertised as free and open to the public. Its exact program or weather arrangements could change, so people planning to travel should check the city’s event update before leaving home. This article is published ahead of the ceremony and does not claim the ribbon has already been cut.

What residents can monitor next

The enduring questions are practical: where accessible entrances and paths are located, what play surfaces and restroom arrangements are available, posted hours, maintenance responsibilities and how residents can report damaged equipment or landscape problems. The city’s Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities information is the best starting point for operational rules when the park begins normal use.

For wider Stanislaus County reporting, visit Modesto News and Riverbank News. Have a firsthand report after the opening? Contact Turlock News.

Primary source: City of Turlock October 16, 2026 announcement. California58 has not attended or verified completion of the future October 27 ceremony.

Support independent local journalism covering Turlock and communities across California.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER NEEDS YOU

Help this community newspaper grow

Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.

Donate once by card ↗

Help Turlock News grow Help strengthen reporting on Turlock: community voices, important decisions and local life.

Support Turlock News

Choose how to support Turlock News:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. When possible, add “Turlock News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.

Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

Turlock News — Your Community Newspaper

Have a correction, news tip, local announcement, or story to submit? Contact our editorial team. All submissions are reviewed before publication.