Turlock, California, to open park honoring former mayor John Lazar

TURLOCK, California, USA — The city of Turlock will celebrate the opening of a new neighborhood park honoring former mayor John Lazar on 27 October, recognizing his decades of service to the Central Valley community. The grand-opening ceremony is scheduled for 1 PM at John Lazar Park, located at 3650 Bethpage St. in northeast Turlock. The free public event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from city officials and Lazar, and light refreshments, according to the city of Turlock's announcement. The approximately 3.5-acre park features two playgrounds designed for different age groups, shaded picnic areas, barbecue facilities and open green space. A landscaped walkway will also connect nearby neighborhoods, providing residents with improved access to recreational space. “John Lazar spent more than two decades serving Turlock and helping our community grow,” Mayor Amy Bublak said in the city's announcement. “We're grateful for his years of service, and I'm glad our community can recognize his contributions in a way that will benefit families and neighbors for generations to come.” Lazar, an Assyrian-American, served on the Turlock City Council from 1992 to 2006, including three years as vice mayor, before serving two terms as mayor from 2006 to 2014. A Turlock native, he attended local schools and California State University, Stanislaus. During his time in office, Lazar was involved in regional government and economic development. He represented Turlock on the Stanislaus County Local Agency Formation Commission from 2000 to 2006, serving as its chairman in 2003. He also served on the Stanislaus Council of Governments and was appointed by then-Governor Gray Davis to the California State Mandates Commission. The decision to name the park after Lazar was approved unanimously by the City Council in February 2022, following a nomination by Bublak and a recommendation from the city's Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission, according to a report by the Turlock Journal. Construction moved forward in October 2025, when the City Council awarded a $1.47 million contract to TBS Contractors, a Merced-based firm. The overall project cost was estimated at just over $1.9 million, including construction management, inspections, staff time, and contingencies. The project was funded through the city's Park Development Tax Fund, according to the Turlock Journal's report on the construction contract. In comments reported by the Turlock Journal in 2025, Lazar said he hoped the park would bring residents together. “I hope it serves as a gathering place,” he said. The city has invited residents to attend the 27 October celebration, explore the new facilities, and mark the opening of a public space named for one of Turlock's longtime civic leaders.