Mission Oaks has an exciting opportunity to earn a Buddy Bench, and residents have a unique opportunity to give back in a meaningful (and sustainable!) way. The National Recreation and Park Association is donating a Buddy Bench made entirely from recycled plastic to communities that collect 1,000 pieces of #2 plastic. With your help, we can earn one for MORPD — transforming everyday recyclables into a symbol of connection, kindness, and environmental stewardship.

What is a Buddy Bench?

A Buddy Bench is a special bench typically found in schools or playgrounds. It serves as a simple yet powerful tool to foster friendship and inclusivity. When a child sits on the bench, it’s a non-verbal signal that they are looking for someone to play with or need a friend. This wonderful concept encourages our children to reach out and make new friends! Through the Buddy Bench Project, we will be collecting and recycling 1,000 pieces of #2 plastic, which in return we will receive a FREE Buddy Bench to place in one of our MORPD parks.

How YOU Can Help

We need 1,000 pieces of #2 plastic—think milk jugs and shampoo bottles. You can spot these items by looking for the #2 recycling symbol. Encourage our MORPD community, your family, friends, and neighbors to join in by recycling these items in the bins located at our District Office and community centers. Every piece counts!

Drop Off Locations:

District Office: 3344 Mission Ave. Carmichael, CA

Gibbons Community Center: 4701 Gibbons Dr, Carmichael, CA 

Swanston Community Center: 2350 Northrop Ave. Sacramento, CA

Learn More About the Buddy Bench Project

Questions? Email Miranda Ellis at mellis@morpd.com