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Mayor Lazar honored for years of public service with opening of namesake park
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Mayor John Lazar expresses his gratitude for the city naming a park after him (Photo courtesy of the City of Turlock).

Dozens of community members gathered at Turlock’s newest park on Tuesday to celebrate a former mayor and take advantage of the beautiful fall weather.

The City of Turlock officially opened John Lazar Park at 3650 Bethpage St. on Tuesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new park features approximately 3.5 acres of landscaped space, with two playgrounds for different age groups, shaded picnic areas, barbecue facilities and an open green space. A new landscaped walkway also connects nearby neighborhoods.

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Mayor John Lazar and his wife, Nellie Lazar, cut the ribbon during the grand opening ceremony of John Lazar Park on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of the City of Turlock).

The park is named after former Turlock Mayor John Lazar, who served on the Turlock City Council from 1992 to 2006, and then as mayor from 2006 to 2014.

“During his time in office, John supported downtown revitalization, agricultural land preservation and economic development. He was recognized as Turlock's Chamber of Commerce Citizen in the Year in 2007. In February 2022, following Mayor Bublak's nomination, the City Council unanimously approved naming this park in John Lazar's honor, continuing Turlock's tradition of naming parks after former mayors. Congratulations, John, for having this park. Naming this park in his honor recognizes those years of service with a place where residents can gather, play and enjoy time outdoors,” said Turlock City Manager Dr. John J. Murphy.

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Neighborhood families take advantage of the newly opened John Lazar Park on Tuesday (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).

Lazar thanked the city council, and especially Mayor Amy Bublak, not only for naming the park in his honor, but also including a memorial to the late Bob Endsley, a Realtor, businessman and strong supporter of Turlock.

“It's a great compliment having a park bear my name, but it's a bigger honor having the opportunity to serve my community. Turlock has given me much more than I could ever give back. Public service is not having your name remembered, but it's about making a difference that will be remembered. This park is more than an open space, and I hope it's a happy place for the families and children that gather here, for friendships that grow, and memories to be made. I can't extend my appreciation any more than I have to all of you who've made this moment possible for my family and friends, for those that travelled distances to be here,” said Lazar.

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Abel Andrews climbs to the top of a rope pyramid while playing with Tessa Bailey and Kai Verver (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).

Along with City of Turlock officials, Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa, representatives from Congressman Adam Gray and state Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil’s offices, Turlock Chamber of Commerce CEO Allie Jeffery and representatives from the Assyrian American National Federation presented Lazar with certificates of recognition.

“I absolutely love that you honor former mayors with parks. At the county, we honor them with jails and coroner facilities and other things that you don't want your name associated with. But this is a gathering place of the people, and having children around just makes it all that more fantastic,” said Chiesa.

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Councilmember Cassandra Abram, Mayor Amy Bublak and Councilmember Kevin Bixel present Mayor John Lazar a plaque commemorating the dedication of John Lazar Park (Photo courtesy of the City of Turlock).

Ashley Andrews was one of many parents who brought their children to John Lazar Park on Tuesday to take advantage of the brand-new playground equipment. She said the park is an easy walk from her east Turlock home. Andrews said while she loved the new play equipment, accessible pathways to and around the park, she’s hoping the city will eventually add a pickleball court.