By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Army puts strength to work at Turlock park
Army adopt a park 1
Members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Office pose for a picture under the Adopt-A-Park sign recognizing the organization’s commitment to help maintain Turlock’s Swanson Centennial Park (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).

The local United States Army Recruiting Center became the most recent organization to adopt one of Turlock’s parks, making a positive impact on the surrounding community.

Representatives from the Army recruiting office joined Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak and other dignitaries, including Congressman Josh Harder, for the unveiling of the official Adopt-a-Park sponsor sign at Swanson Centennial Park on Saturday.

Army adopt a park 2
Members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Office and future soldiers work to fill holes in the dog park area of Swanson Centennial Park on Saturday (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).

“On February 15 we became incorporated, so here we are having a birthday for Turlock on this day when the U.S. Army is taking over…Everybody in the city really appreciates what you’re doing,” said Bublak.

 “This is an opportunity to actually lead by example as we do in the United States Army in the community. We encourage other entities to do the same thing as well. We’re to serve our communities the same thing as we take the oath to join the Army,” said Sgt. First Class Daniel Cedeno.

Army adopt a park 3
Members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Office and future soldiers work to fill holes in the dog park area of Swanson Centennial Park on Saturday (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).

The ceremony was followed by a work day, where members of the Army recruiting office, future soldiers and the public picked up trash, cleaned playground equipment and filled holes at the dog park area.

The Turlock Adopt-A-Park program began in 2019 joining hundreds of cities and towns across America who are promoting this volunteerism concept. The concept is a simple one that allows community groups to organize and focus on cleaning or “adopting” one park in town, the city provides simple materials – gloves, trash bags, rakes, trash receptacles, etc. as well as a focus for each work day. In return, the City recognizes the community group with a sign acknowledging their efforts.

Army adopt a park 4
U.S. Army future soldier Anacelia Barbiza cleans the playground equipment at Swanson Centennial Park on Saturday during an Adopt-A-Park work day (KRISTINA HACKER/The Journal).

Joining the U.S. Army Recruiting Station in adopting a park are six other community organizations: Sikh Community (Donnelly Park), Turlock Lion’s Club (Crane Park), Walking Miracles of Turlock (Brad Bates Park and Curt Andre Park), John Snoke and Rotary Neighborhood Watch (Rotary Park), Hope Church (Columbia Park) and National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Christoffersen Park).