Organizations throughout the park highlighted low-cost and free activities available to local families.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – Not even 100-degree weather stopped residents from gathering at Dave Roberts Community Park on June 11 for Good Neighbor Day. The city-sponsored event is designed to connect community members with local services, nonprofits and recreational opportunities in a relaxed neighborhood setting.

The free event, held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., featured a barbecue, games, face painting, balloon art and information booths from local organizations.

City officials described Good Neighbor Day as an opportunity to bring government and community resources directly into neighborhoods rather than requiring residents to seek them out.

The free event, held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., featured a barbecue, games, face painting, balloon art and information booths.

“What events such as this show is that Rancho Cordova is a city that really cares about its community members, and our goal is to reach out to them, to really get their needs addressed and make them know that they’re heard,” Mayor Garrett Gatewood said. “This is a way for us to connect with them, so we never become disconnected from all our communities.”

One of the most active areas of the event was a soccer skills course hosted by the San Juan Soccer Club. Teen club members volunteered alongside parents, helping younger children participate in drills and challenges.

“We just like to be out here to try to get everyone involved and let people know who we are and have them come check us out and just have some fun today,” said Nicole Carol, a Rancho Cordova resident whose children participate in the club. “It’s a great organization.”

The city-sponsored event is designed to connect community members with local services, nonprofits and recreational opportunities.

This year’s event incorporated a soccer theme tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Gatewood said has helped generate excitement around the sport locally.

“The World Cup is just a fun way to celebrate soccer,” Gatewood said. “We’re trying to get more and more into soccer as a community because we really care about it.”

Several nonprofit organizations used the event to introduce residents to programs available throughout the year.

Bike Lab, a local nonprofit, provided free bicycle repairs while sharing information about its community programs. Mechanics worked on bikes throughout the evening, helping residents get their bicycles back into riding condition.

A soccer skills course was hosted by the San Juan Soccer Club.

“We bring the whole shop to the community,” said Chris Aguirre, founder of Bike Lab. “We fix people’s bikes for free.”

Aguirre said the organization works closely with Rancho Cordova and local partners to encourage outdoor recreation, particularly among young people.

“We just want to get people rolling on bikes and get them outdoors,” Aguirre said. “The American River Parkway is an amazing resource right here in their backyards.”

The event also served as the starting point for a community bike ride organized by Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates (SABA). Riders departed from the park and traveled to local trails while learning about safe cycling practices.

Bike Lab, a local nonprofit, provided free bicycle repairs while sharing information about its community programs.

“We’re here with Good Neighbor Day to promote safe riding habits,” said Barbara, a ride leader with the group. “There are a lot of different ways to get where you want to go safely without having to ride on busy streets.”

Organizations throughout the park highlighted low-cost and free activities available to local families.

“Today we’re out here for Good Neighbor Day to share all the different events that we have going on throughout the year,” said Madelaine Sanderson, an event specialist with the Cordova Community Council. “It’s really important for families to know that there are things that they can do with their families that are low-cost or free.”

San Juan Soccer Club teen members volunteered helping children participate in drills and challenges.

Cordova Recreation and Park District representatives also spoke with residents about parks, recreation programs and community resources.

“We love to invite people out to our parks to see what’s available in their community and provide them with resources,” said Haley O’Neill of Cordova Recreation and Park District. “We have a lot of amazing programs and events available for the community.”

Gatewood said the event’s purpose remains simple: bringing residents, local government and community groups together in one place.

“We come to you, you don't have to come to us,” Gatewood said. “This is what this event's about. Let’s have fun together as a community.”

City officials described Good Neighbor Day as an opportunity to bring government and community resources directly into neighborhoods.