Along the coastal bike trail in Jackson Park resides a memorial bench. 

It commemorates the service of Jason Adam Arreola, who worked as an intern for the resident officer in charge during the summer of 1996.

Assigned to assist the engineering technicians, Arreola was part of the new and renovated housing turnover inspections at Jackson Park. 

“He loved working for the Navy”, said Jason’s mother Linda Arreola, “Jason was a sophomore attending the University of Washington and he planned on becoming an engineer.”

On June 11, 1997 while swimming in Green Lake, Jason drowned and a memorial was requested by his father, Delfin Arreola to be placed in Jackson Park. 

“Mr. Arreola’s memorial request included the installation of a wooden bench, with a plaque and a noble fir planted near the benches.” said Cmdr. George Suther, public works officer at Naval Base Kitsap, “This was included as the Jackson Park shoreline recreation area was created.”

In 2002 Jason’s memorial was completed. 

Over time, the fir was removed and the bench fell in disrepair.

Upon Delfin Arreola’s request to remove the bench, Suther inquired about its history.

“I stated that we would rather repair the bench and leave it in place.” said Suther, “Capt. Olson was informed and agreed that it was the right thing to do.”

Builder 1st Class Gabe Marrero, Aviation Electronics Technicians 1st Class Chris Campbell and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Jose Sarno from the Public Works Department Self Help Seabees were assigned to remove the bench, order new material and refurbish the plaque. 

“We removed the paint and applied three coats of spar polyurethane.” explained Marrero. “Quarterly, the Seabees of self help will inspect the condition and take appropriate steps to preserve the memorial.”

On March 1, 2010 Jason’s memorial bench was rededicated by Capt. Mark Olson, commanding officer Naval Base Kitsap with Delfin and Linda Arreola present. 

Residing just north of South Shore Road, this memorial continues to commemorate the life of Jason Adam Arreola.