Kern County Parks and Recreation Department: Master Plan - DocsLib

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parks and recreation master plan county of kern parks and recreation department

PREPARED BY:

MIG, Inc. 801 North Harbor Boulevard Fullerton, California 92832 P: 714.871.3638 F: 714.871.1188 www.migcom.com MAY 2010 acknowledgments

We would like to thank the many citizens, staff, and community groups who provided extensive input for the development of this Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This project was truly a community effort, ensuring that this plan will meet the needs and desires of all residents in Kern County

KERN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Jon McQuiston, District 1 Don Maben, District 2 Mike Maggard, District 3 Ray Watson, District 4 Michael J. Rubio, District 5

COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER John Nilon

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Bob Jamison, District 1 Ted Hodgkinson, District 2 Carl Park, District 3 Richard Walters, District 4 Nanette Brightwell, District 5

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Robert Lerude, Director John Wilbanks, Planner John Laybourn, Planner

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN table of contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 Key Issues 1 1.2 Planning Process 4 1.3 Goals and Key Recommendations 6 1.4 Park Standards and Level of Service 7 1.5 Organizational Reform 9 1.6 Funding Recommendations 10

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Plan Purpose 1 1.2 How the Plan Was Developed 2 1.3 Relationship to Other Planning Activities 5 1.4 Plan Organization 11 1.5 Plan Overview 12 1.6 Implementation 14

CHAPTER II: PLANNING CONTEXT 2.1 Regional Context 1 2.2 History 2 2.3 Community Proﬁles 3 2.4 Local Park Jurisdictions 5 2.5 Other Park and Recreation Providers 8 2.6 Planning Context Implications 9

CHAPTER III: EXISTING PARK AND RECREATION SYSTEM 3.1 Park Classiﬁcations 1 3.2 Existing Park Inventory and Conditions 4 Area 1 – North Kern County 6 Area 2 – South Kern County 22 KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN table of contents

Area 3 – Greater Bakersﬁeld 34 Area 4 – West Kern County 64 Area 5 & 5B – Valley: North and South of Bakersﬁeld 76 3.3 - Kern County Capital Improvement Plan and Parks and Recreation Master Plan 83 3.4 Parks and Facilities Provided by Others 83 3.5 Recreation Programs 84 3.6 Program Providers 85 3.7 Comparable County Programs 91

CHAPTER IV: PARK, FACILITY AND PROGRAM NEEDS 4.1 Public Involvement Results 2 4.2 Public Outreach Summaries 3 Stakeholder Interviews 3 Telephone Survey 4 Web-Based and Self Administered Questionnaires 6 Focus Groups 10 Community Visioning Workshops 12 4.3 Key Findings 17

CHAPTER V: POLICIES, GOALS AND ACTIONS 5.1 Policy I/Goals 1 to 6 1 5.2 Policy II/Goals 7 to 12 7 5.3 Park Standards 12 5.4 Park Standards and Level of Service 12 5.5 Impact of Population Growth on Level of Service 18

CHAPTER VI: IMPLEMENTATION/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN 6.1 Observations 1 6.2 Recommended Capital Projects - Overview 4 6.3 Recommendations by Category 11 KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN table of contents

CHAPTER VII: ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM OF COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 7.1 Changes in the Institutional and Financial Environments for Parks and Recreation 1 7.2 The Need for Regional Cooperation 4 7.3 Regional Parks and Recreation Authority 6 7.4 Concurrent Need for Local Control of Parks 9 7.5 Establishing Roles and Responsibilities 10 7.6 Building Community Support 14

CHAPTER VIII –FUNDING OPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 8.1 Relation to Capital Improvement Plan 1 8.2 Existing Funding Sources 2 8.3 Expenditures 4 8.4 Proposed Capital Projects 6 8.5 Estimated Operations and Maintenance Costs 10 8.6 Potential Additional Revenue Sources – Capital 11 8.7 Potential Additional Revenue Sources – Maintenance and Operations 14 8.8 Summary and Recommendations 18 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES executive summary THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT executive summary

IN THE SPRING OF 2008, Kern 1.1 KEY ISSUES County began the development of Kern County is facing a number of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan issues that influence the develop- to evaluate the County’s current ment and management of parks, park and recreation resources, as- recreation facilities and recreation sess the needs for the future, and services. The 2010 Kern County develop a road map to achieving Parks and Recreation Master Plan those needs. The development of is designed to respond to these this plan was a collaborative effort issues, positioning the Kern County involving staff from the Parks De- Parks and Recreation Department partment, elected officials, repre- to better serve residents and other sentatives from other park agencies, visitors to the Kern County park and stakeholders and residents system now and into the future. from communities throughout Kern Landscape, Development and County. This plan represents the Population - Scale and Diversity first master plan developed for the The third largest county in the County of Kern Parks and Recre- state of California, Kern County ation Department. is a unique and diverse place in The primary purpose of this master terms of its natural resources, land plan is to help guide decision-mak- use, development and people. Its ers in the development of the Kern widely varied landscape is shaped County park system over the next by mountains, deserts, and valleys, twenty years. The recommenda- include some of the most produc- tions, goals and strategies present- tive agricultural lands in the country ed here were developed based on as well as still active, burgeoning an assessment of all existing County oil fields. Although Kern County parks and public input to identify has been among the fastest grow- community priorities. ing counties in California, much of

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | ES-1 executive summary

that growth has been focused in the for more growth in the future remains Bakersfield metropolitan region. The strong. When the economy recovers, eastern desert and mountain areas, it is anticipated that much of that new as well as the western edges of the growth will be in the form of more County, remain comparatively sparse- compact, dense development, requir- ly populated and rural in character. ing an even greater need for acces- This diversity of conditions coupled sible parks, recreation services and to the sheer geographic size of the trails to serve the residents in these County underlies the operational and communities. management challenge facing the Overlapping Jurisdictions Parks and Recreation Department. In addition to the Kern County Parks Demographic and Socio-Economic and Recreation Department, there are Change many different cities, independent The influx of new residents from other park districts, private organizations, parts of California as well as a grow- and State and Federal agencies, ing Hispanic population has gradually providing parks, open space, and altered the demographic and socio- recreation facilities throughout Kern economic profile of the County. This County. Overlapping jurisdictions, shift in the demographic makeup of goals and strategies have helped cre- the population has gradually led to ate an interesting patchwork of parks, a new set of expectations regarding open space and recreation programs. parks and recreation services that are Some areas of the County have different from what existed in earlier multiple park and recreation provid- decades when much of the present- ers, whereas other areas depend day County park system was devel- almost exclusively on the Kern County oped. In addition, unincorporated Parks and Recreation Department areas in and near the Bakersfield as the major provider. The need for metropolitan area have experienced increased cooperation and coordina- rapid urbanization, creating areas tion between these multiple park and that lack adequate parks and recre- recreation providers to avoid unnec- ation services. Although Kern County, essary duplication, as well as gaps, along with the rest of California, is in facilities and services remains an now experiencing a severe economic important challenge. and housing downturn, the potential

ES-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN executive summary

Regional and Local Parks grade its parks and facilities, acquire The Kern County Parks and Recreation and develop new sites, provide more Department manages an extensive trails, and support the maintenance system of large regional parks de- increases that new parks will require. signed to serve the entire countywide The County has relied primarily on population, and small neighbor- its General Fund to support its park hood and community parks intended system which must compete with pub- primarily to meet the recreational lic safety and other County depart- needs of nearby residents in unin- ments for needed funding. Revenue corporated communities where no from other sources such as user fees other recreation providers are present. constitutes a relatively small portion of Over the several decades since the the overall budget. By not adequately Department was established in 1952, implementing the County’s Quimby cities have expanded their territories program or putting in place a system through annexation and independent of development impact fees, a signifi- park districts have been established cant opportunity to generate revenue in many unincorporated areas of the needed for acquisition of park land county. Despite these changes, the and the development of new parks Kern County Parks and Recreation was missed during the growth pe- Department still operates and man- riod of the last two decades. No ages a large number of local parks new County parks have been built located within the geographic jurisdic- in decades despite this population tions of local cities and park districts. growth, and the overall condition of This failure to shift responsibility to existing parks and facilities has gradu- the appropriate jurisdictional level has ally declined. placed an undue burden on the lim- Deferred Maintenance ited resources available to the County Because of past funding shortages, to sustain its park system. the Kern County Parks and Recreation Funding Department has a significant backlog The Kern County Parks and Recreation of deferred maintenance, the effects Department lacks sufficient funding of which over the years have become to be able to adequately address all increasingly evident. The under- its responsibilities to maintain and up- ground infrastructure in parks is aged,

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | ES-3 executive summary

and documentation or mapping of it services. Although Kern County is is scarce, missing or doesn’t exist. The able to support these local programs recreation, senior and veterans build- by providing parks and recreation ings managed by the Parks Depart- facilities, there is concern that young ment are in various stages of dilapi- people in these communities do not dation, as the basic infrastructure in have adequate access to recreation many of these structures has not been services needed to provide a positive improved or upgraded in decades. outlet for their time and energy. A related problem that can also be traced to limited financial resources 1.2 PLANNING PROCESS are concerns about safety and securi- The Kern County Parks and Recre- ty, which are aggravated by difficulties ation Master Plan is specifically de- in responding to signs of vandalism signed to address community priori- that mar some parks. Animal infesta- ties for parks and recreation services tion has gone largely unchecked in in Kern County. The planning process some parks, undermining the turf in began with an on-site assessment and sports fields, while also damaging wir- evaluation of all parks and facilities ing and irrigation lines, further adding owned by the county, as well as an to the cost burden. inventory of parks owned by cities, park districts and State and Federal Recreation Programs agencies. To ensure the preferences Soon after the passage of Proposi- of community residents were repre- tion 13, Kern County discontinued its sented in this Plan it drew upon the recreation programs as a cost saving findings of earlier, complementary measure. Although many recreation planning processes, while also imple- programs are provided at the local menting an extensive, multi- faceted, level by cities and park districts, the public outreach program. range of recreation services available in Kern County varies geographically. Existing planning documents re- Residents in unincorporated areas of viewed to identify past and current the County outside of independent directions for parks and recreation park districts, rely primarily on private services included: organizations, community groups, • Metropolitan Bakersfield General and local schools for recreation Plan

ES-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN executive summary

• Kern County General Plan foundation for the issues and recom- • Kern River Plan Element mendations described in this plan. • Kern River Specific Trails Plan Also, to facilitate the implementation • Kern County Strategic Plan of the outreach and analysis of results, the county was divided into five • Kern County Capital Improvement Plan1 geographic areas. .Described more • Kern Regional Blueprint extensively in Chapter 4, outreach activities included: Although these other plans were developed in earlier years by differ- • Stakeholder Contacts – interviews were conducted with elected of- ent organizations and for different ficials, parks and recreation com- reasons, they succeeded in identifying missioners, and other community many of the same challenges de- leaders representing all areas of scribed in this Master Plan. In addi- the county. tion, these separate, independent • Telephone Survey – a statistically planning processes have led to many valid survey of 750-randomly selected households was conducted. of the same conclusions and recom- • Web and Self-Administered mended solutions. Questionnaire - over 1,000 Public involvement represented the individuals completed on-line and hard copy versions of a core of the planning process, and questionnaires; one for adults and included a variety of complementary another for youth, available in both outreach tools designed to gauge English and Spanish. the recreation preferences and needs • Focus Groups - ten focus groups of County residents. Nearly 2000 were conducted throughout the community members were reached county, inviting participants representing different communities, as through these varied forums, and well as park agencies and the busi- their input and feedback provided the ness/development community. 1There are minor variances between the Kern County • Community Visioning Workshops CIP and the Kern County Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This is primarily due to changes in the existing – two rounds of community work- inventory of County park land that occurred between shops took place in each area of the nearly two years that passed after approval of the CIP and the subsequent development of the Parks the county. The first set of work- and Recreation Master Plan. Other differences may shops gathered initial input and stem from the opportunity to conduct a more detailed, critical analysis to prepare a plan focused exclusively the second set confirmed findings on the Kern County park system, rather than the CIP and proposed recommendations. which had the challenge of addressing the full range of Kern County public facilities.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | ES-5 executive summary

Many consistent issues and themes 1.3 GOALS AND KEY RECOMMENDATIONS emerged throughout the outreach process: Drawing on public outreach findings, the review of other planning • The public held its parks in high documents, and the evaluation of esteem, valuing the contribution they make to the quality of life in conditions in existing parks, a policy Kern County. framework of key goals and recom- • The County should first concen- mendations were developed. trate its resources on improving and upgrading its existing parks, POLICY I – Develop and maintain a before building new parks in un- countywide system of regional parks, derserved areas of the county. natural open space and recreational • Safety and security within parks facilities which together provide op- should be established as an inte- portunities for both active and passive gral element of improving existing recreation, serving the wide ranging parks. recreation and social needs of the • Concerns expressed about poor conditions of existing parks and diverse, varied communities of Kern facilities, led by complaints about County. poor restroom conditions or lack of restroom facilities. • GOAL 1 – Rehabilitate, renovate and modernize existing parks and • A strong desire for more trails and recreational facilities in the Kern trail connections. County park system. • Shortage of sports facilities and • GOAL 2 - Provide a minimum playing fields, along with a desire standard of 5 acres of park land for more up-to-date recreational per 1,000 residents. This standard facilities of all kinds, such as multi- would apply to regional parks serv- use community/recreation centers. ing the entire County, as well as • A lack of facilities and programs local parks in unincorporated areas to hold the interest of youths and of the County not served by a local teens. park district. • Support for the concept of the • GOAL 3 - Provide access to various County partnering with other orga- types of indoor and outdoor rec- nizations and community groups to reation facilities with the capacity help meet the recreation needs of to support increased recreation local communities. programming and provide year- round recreation opportunities for all County residents.

ES-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN executive summary

• GOAL 4 - Expand trail connections ation needs of all Kern County and pathways throughout Kern residents are being met. County. • GOAL 9 – Continue to support • GOAL 5 - Ensure that all Kern the development and delivery of County parks and recreation recreation programs and services facilities maintain a high level of provided by other park agencies, safety and security for visitors and non-profit groups, and community employees. organizations in Kern County. • GOAL 6 - Incorporate natural areas • GOAL 10 - Engage Kern County and unique ecological and ar- residents in the planning, steward- cheological features into the park ship, and programming of park and open space system to protect and recreation resources, and pro- threatened species, conserve vide effective community outreach significant natural and cultural and marketing to increase public resources and retain critical habitat awareness and support of recre- areas that are unique to Kern ation services. County. • GOAL 11 – Design and manage POLICY II - Maximize resources and County parks and recreation facilities to support families, provide expand opportunities for the County- youth with healthy and safe recre- wide parks and recreation system by ational activities, and to encourage reforming the financial support struc- community building. ture for the park system, enhancing • GOAL 12 - Develop, train, and organizational capabilities, and pro- support a professional parks actively engaging other organizations department staff that effectively serves the community in the real- and the community at large through ization of the goals and objectives partnerships and other cooperative of this Plan. arrangements. Some of the key recommendations • GOAL 7 - Achieve sustainable derived from these policies and goals long-term financial viability for the include: Kern County park system to satisfy operational needs, capital require- • Maintain and improve existing ments and desired recreation parks as a first priority. services. • Build new parks in under served • GOAL 8 -Coordinate with other areas of the County. park agencies, park and recreation • Provide a range of indoor and districts and private providers to outdoor recreation facilities. ensure that the parks and recre-

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | ES-7 executive summary

• Expand trails and pathways been in place for decades despite the throughout the County. gradual transformation of people and places that occurred in Kern County 1.4 PARK STANDARDS AND LEVEL OF SERVICE during that period. The population has increased, including many young Among these recommendations families new to Kern County that have are those intended to address the higher expectations for more parks current deficiency of parks in the and recreation services, a need that County, primarily at the local level in was voiced repeatedly throughout the unincorporated areas of the county public outreach process. This need that are not served by park districts. will grow only more intense in com- The 176,200 residents living in these ing years as a shift to more compact areas of the county are served by 293 residential developments creates acres of local parks. The current level a greater need for public spaces, of service for these residents is 1.66 including especially parks. Increasing acres of park land per 1,000 residents the standard to 5 acres per thousand although the current standard in both will bring it more in line with the old the Kern County General Plan and minimum standard of 10 acres per the Metropolitan Bakersfield General thousand established by the National Plan is 2.5 acres per thousand. This Recreation and Park Association translates into a deficiency of 147 back in the 1980’s and 90’s, while also acres of local park land. The level of enabling other local park districts and service is even lower in those parts of cities in Kern County to follow suit. the County, primarily unincorporated areas in and near the Bakersfield If the 5 acres per 1,000 residents metropolitan area, which have expe- standard is established, then the rienced the most growth but no new existing deficit in local parks will be parks have been developed to serve 588 acres. However, the population these communities. in these unincorporated communities is expected to increase to 240,000 Even if the existing standard of 2.5 residents by 2030. If that occurs, then acres were being met, it is believed the overall deficit in park acres will that this would be insufficient to meet increase to 907 acres if no new parks the park and recreational needs of are built during this period. Approxi- County residents. This standard has

ES-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN executive summary

mately 52 new local parks (a mix of 1.5 ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM 10-acre, 20-acre and 40-acre parks) will be required to fully address this To further facilitate the improvement deficiency. of existing parks and the development of new parks, the County is With 4282 acres of regional parks to also encouraged to pursue a set of serve a countywide population of organizational recommendations. The 779,100 residents, the existing level of organizational and financial model service for regional parks already ex- that supports the County park system ceeds the proposed 5 acres per 1,000 remains unchanged after decades of standard. But as the county popula- demographic and economic changes tion is projected to increase to nearly and so no longer fits contemporary 1.2 million by 2030, the County will realities. need to increase regional park acreage by another 1725 acres to maintain A regional park authority in the form its current level of service. The num- of an independent park district is ber of new regional parks required to a potential organizational solution. achieve this goal will vary depending One of the potential benefits would on the size of the parks and/or the be the establishment of a dedicated possible expansion of existing parks. funding source for parks and recreation facilities, which is crucial to The amount of new park acreage the future of the park system. A park recommended here is high, but this district can secure funding for capital is a consequence of no new County and operations in a variety of ways. A parks being built for decades during park district has taxation and bonding an extended period of growth. The authority, subject to voter approval, projected growth in the population and can create benefit assessment over the next two decades will further districts, such as landscape and light- compound the deficiency. Even if the ing districts. This funding mechanism rate of population growth is slower permits public agencies to assess than anticipated due to the recent housing units or land parcels for a va- economic downturn, the bulk of the riety of services. Assessment revenues park land deficiency will remain and can be used for park land acquisition, should still be remedied. development and/or maintenance.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | ES-9 executive summary

The agency can choose to use rev- park authority will require the concur- enue generated on a pay-as-you go rent establishment of a benefit assess- basis or can sell bonds to receive a ment district to ensure its financial lump sum amount. viability, the same or similar financing mechanism will be needed for the A similar organizational model can be local park districts. These organiza- applied at the local level, where there tional reforms are further reinforced is a growing desire for more commu- by encouraging results from both the nity control of local parks. The eight telephone survey and web-based existing independent park districts in questionnaire which indicate that a Kern County constitute a long stand- majority of Kern County residents may ing model that could be replicated be willing to pay a small additional tax again in areas like Frazier Park and the or fee ($15 annually) to help improve Kern River Valley. Other organizational their County parks, especially at the options include county service areas, local level. community service districts, and pub-

TOTAL PARKS FACILITIES COSTS 1.6 FUNDING THROUGH 2030 (5 ACRES 1,000 PARK RECOMMENDATIONS STANDARD) The Kern County Parks and Recre- ESTIMATED PARK TYPE ation Master Plan represents commu- COST Rehabilitation – Community/Local Parks $37,822,500 nity and regional desires and needs Rehabilitation – Regional Park s $192,690,000 for parks and recreation. In response New Parks – Community/Local Parks (910 acres) $285,740,000 to those needs it speciﬁes strategies New Parks –Regional Parks (1800 acres) $244,800,000 and recommendations for renovating Special Use Facilities $41,130,000 existing parks and facilities, acquir- Total $802,182,500* *At the 3 acres per 1,000 park standard the cost for new parks (local and ing new park sites, and maintaining regional) will be approximately $377 million rather than $531 million; total County park and recreation resources park facilities costs will then be $648,322,500. for the future residents of Kern County. Funding these needs will be a lic utility districts. A school district or tremendous challenge. other existing public authorities can also jointly establish a local communi- Although some projects and strate- ty system for providing recreation and gies can be implemented in the near park services. Also, just as a regional future, most others will need to be

ES-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN executive summary

carried out over the long terms, within Master Plan, Kern County will no the 20-year timeframe of this Plan, or longer be able to rely on the current even beyond. At the 5 acres per thou- funding structure which has remained sand residents standard, the total cost largely unchanged for decades. for implementing this Plan is approxi- Instead it should consider a range mately $802 million, as summarized in of funding options with the goal of the table at the left.2 establishing funding sources that are dedicated for park and recreation, In addition to capital expenditures, both to fund improvements to exist- the addition of new park land will also ing parks and to develop new parks. increase annual park and operations and maintenances costs. At the five Funding for new parks can be sub- acres per thousand residents standard stantially improved by establishing these costs are estimated to be ap- a development impact fee and by proximately $1.6 million annually. improving implementation of its existing Quimby in-lieu dedication fees. Existing County resources for parks Although Kern County currently does and recreation facilities are limited not have development impact fees ($13.9 million in FY 2008-09 CAO in place, they were identified in the recommended budget), and must recently approved Kern County Capi- compete with other County depart- tal Improvement Plan as a potential ments for funding. Over the past five funding source for new park proj- years, the General Fund provided for ects. A nexus study is currently being approximately 80 percent of funding conducted, as a required step for for the Parks and Recreation Depart- possible implementation of development. Service charges for use of parks ment impact fees in the future. Even and recreational facilities provided though the housing market is now at approximately 15 to 17 percent of the lowest point it has been in de- funding. cades, putting a development impact To achieve the goals outlined in this fee in place at this time will ensure the County will be in a stronger posi- 2Cost assumptions – (1) land acquisition costs are estimated at $188,000 per acre for local community tion financially in the future to fund parkland and $10,000 per acre for regional parkland. (2) Rehabilitation costs are estimated at $90,000 per new park development once growth acre for local community park land and $45,000 per acre for regional park land. See Chapter VIII for more resumes. As described in more detail factors used to estimate these cost factors.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | ES-11 executive summary

in Chapter VIII, it is estimated that stantial amount of funding up front for a development impact fee at the 5 the Park Department’s capital needs. acres per 1,000 standard could gener- Results from the telephone survey, ate $345 million in revenue.3 where 74 percent of those surveyed indicated a willingness to support an Although, the County already has annual property tax increase of $15, Quimby in-lieu dedication fees in suggests this may be a viable option place, this program has not in the worth further exploration. A bond past generated the level of revenue measure that increased the annual tax required to acquire new park land. rate by a modest 0.020% could gener- Increasing the Quimby standard to 5 ate an estimated $217 million. acres per 1,000 to match the recommended LOS will help. It will also be Utilizing these new funding sources critically important that payments of will greatly improve the financial basis a fee in lieu of land dedication be of the County park system. However, based on the fair market of the land given the projected costs for new as assessed at the time it has been park lands and existing park improve- subdivided and improved for devel- ments, there will still be a significant opment, rather than as agricultural gap between projected needs and or other unimproved land, as has available funding. For this reason, it been the practice in the past. The will be important for the County to latter practice reduced the amount of explore other additional funding op- revenue the County would otherwise tions and cost efficiencies, as summa- have received for the acquisition of rized below: new park land, under cutting the pur- • Compared to other California pose for which the Quimby program counties revenue from charges for was established. services is low. Cost recovery for certain recreation programs could Another potential revenue source to potentially be increased without fund parks projects is a voter ap- negatively impacting recreational activity participation. A user fee proved bond measure. A general study should be implemented to obligation bond could provide a sub- determine the feasibility of in- 3Please note that for development impact fee sched- creasing user charges to achieve a ule, figures listed in the Kern County CIP will take higher services cost recovery rate. precedence over those contained in the Kern County Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

ES-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN executive summary

• Facilitating the formation of park serve a regional market. Typically, a and recreation districts, along with public agency constructs a facility the concomitant establishment of then leases that facility to a pri- a beneﬁt assessment district, as vate entity in exchange for a share previously described, can provide of the revenue generated by the an ongoing revenue stream. facility. A potential public private • Cost efﬁciencies could also be partnership could be the means achieved by transferring the con- for a regional Off-Highway Vehicle trol of public buildings currently (OHV) park in Kern County. located in cites and park districts Finally, it will be essential that Kern or when facilities are incorporated County pursue a cooperative and into other jurisdictions through annexation. Alternatively, the County collaborative approach with all other can contract out maintenance entities responsible for parks and responsibilities to other public recreation services. Inter-agency agencies or private vendors lo- cooperation and partnerships with cated near these buildings, where local communities will avoid unnec- transfer of ownership is not yet feasible. essary duplication and achieve cost • Public-private partnerships can also savings, while also ensuring that park be pursued as a way to develop and recreation needs are being met special recreational facilities, es- county-wide. pecially those with the potential to

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | ES-13 CHAPTER ONE

1 introduction THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER ONE introduction

IN THE SPRING OF 2008, Kern decades ago. Since that time the County began the development of recreation needs and expectations a Parks and Recreation Master Plan of the community have continued to evaluate the County’s current to change, while the park system park and recreation resources, as- has remained largely unchanged. sess the needs for the future, and The park system today must serve a develop a road map to achieving significantly larger and more diverse those needs. The development of population, but is trying to do so this plan was a collaborative effort with parks and recreation assets involving staff from the Parks De- built long before many of its current partment, elected officials, repre- users were even alive. At the very sentatives from other park agencies, same time that the need to adapt and stakeholders and residents has grown more urgent, complex from communities throughout Kern financial conditions appear to be County. This plan represents the making it even more of a challenge first master plan developed for the for the park system to effectively County of Kern Parks and Recre- respond to these stressful circum- ation Department. stances. Kern Park train. Bakersfield Californian newspaper file photo The Master Plan is an essential first 1.1 PLAN PURPOSE step in finding solutions that will en- Kern County has experienced sig- able Kern County and its park sys- nificant changes over the nearly six tem to move forward past current decades since the formation of the challenges and toward a stronger Kern County Parks and Recreation position where it can more effec- Department in 1952. The extensive tively meet the future recreation countywide park system that now needs of the community. Given this exists was for the most part de- overall purpose, the plan has three veloped and completed over two corollary purposes to fulfill:

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | I-1 chapter one

• Present a long-term vision and this plan. The Project Management goals for the Department and the Team, composed of staff from the community for the next 20 to 25 Kern County Parks and Recreation years. Department and MIG staff, met and • Describe current and future needs, communicated on a regular, on-going interests and community preferences for parks, recreation and basis throughout the planning pro- facilities. cess. At key milestones, the Project • Identify priorities and develop Management Team presented and recommendations for action that reviewed findings from the planning will guide future development process with the Parks and Recreation and management of the park and Commission. The resulting master recreation system. plan reflects current priorities and in- 1.2 HOW THE PLAN WAS terests and provides the Department DEVELOPED with the direction it needs to respond The Master Plan was developed effectively to the changing needs of through the active involvement of the Kern County community. staff, residents and elected officials The development of the Master Plan who participated in meetings, inter- involved four phases, which are noted views, community workshops, focus in Figure #1 . groups, telephone surveys and on- line questionnaires. Nearly 2000 com- Phase I – Where Are We Now? Portion of large wall graphic where input munity members provided opinions was recorded at Delano Focus Group The first phase of the planning pro- and input that was used to develop cess focused on existing park and

I-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN introduction

recreation resources in Kern County. This chiefly involved an inventory, mapping and evaluation of all existing parks and recreation facilities provided by the County of Kern Parks and Recreation Department. To develop a more comprehensive picture of recreation assets available to Kern County residents in both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County, the assessment extended needs and perceived gaps, and to Figure 1 beyond those of the Department. It identify priorities for future park and also encompassed an inventory of recreation services. These opportuni- parks, recreation facilities and pro- ties included ten focus groups and grams offered by other providers five community workshops held in NEARLY 2000 COMMUNITY MEMBERS in Kern County, including city park every region of the County, as well as departments and special park dis- a telephone survey of 750 randomly PROVIDED OPINIONS AND INPUT THAT tricts. This first phase also included selected households. In addition, WAS USED TO DEVELOP THIS PLAN. early community outreach activities, community questionnaires for adults including interviews with stakeholders and youth, provided in both English THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM, representing communities from all re- and Spanish, were available online gions of Kern County. This preliminary and distributed in libraries, parks and COMPOSED OF STAFF FROM THE KERN outreach was undertaken to develop other venues throughout the County. COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION an initial profile of key issues, priorities Findings from these various outreach and perceived needs. tools, together with an analysis of the DEPARTMENT AND MIG STAFF, MET existing park system, provided an Phase II – Where Do We Want To AND COMMUNICATED ON A REGULAR, Be? emerging profile of where the park system is today and where it needs to The second phase focused primar- ON-GOING BASIS THROUGHOUT THE ily on public outreach and analysis be in the future. of the park system to determine key PLANNING PROCESS. Phase III – How Do We Get There? recreation needs in the community. The third phase of the planning The public was provided an array of process drew upon the overall stra- different methods for providing their tegic direction emerging from the input regarding current recreation preceding stages to identify the goals,

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | I-3 chapter one

strategies and actions that would be and financial strategies that will be needed to improve the park system. needed to more effectively carry out Given the gap between the exist- the Plan. ing park system and where the park Phase IV – Finalizing the Plan system should be in the future, these During the final stage, results from recommendations are designed to the planning process were shared chart a path forward which over time with those who had participated in will enable the County to achieve the development of the Master Plan. its goals for the park system. This This effort included a second round of undertaking includes organizational Below: Panorama Park, Bakersfield community workshops during which findings from earlier outreach, as well as key Plan elements and recommendations, were presented. Opinions expressed during these workshops were used to help refine the continued development of the draft Master Plan, which was subsequently reviewed by Department staff and elected officials. The draft Master Plan was also made available for public review and comment on the website of the Kern County Parks and Recreation Depart- ment. Information gathered during this time was used to confirm and refine the overall strategic direction and specific recommendations of the Mas- ter Plan. Following the presentation of the Draft Plan to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for their review, a final version of the Master Plan was developed to reflect and incorporate their views in conjunction with feedback provided by County staff. Upon approval by the Board of Supervisors,

I-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN introduction

the Final Master Plan will guide parks The Parks Element of the MBGP and recreation service delivery for the identified many issues that are also next 20 years. addressed in this Master Plan, including: 1.3 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER • The shortage of local parks PLANNING ACTIVITIES • Limited tax revenues making Although this is the first Kern County it increasingly difficult for local Parks and Recreation Master Plan, its governments to provide parks and development has benefited from a recreational facilities. number of other plans that have been • The need for improved interjuris- developed and adopted in recent dictional coordination to create years. Some of the most significant more consistent standards and avoid duplication of efforts. planning documents that bear most directly on this Master Plan are high- It states that neighborhood parks lighted below. should be supplied at a minimum of 2.5 acres per 1,000 persons. As an Metropolitan Bakersfield General overall goal, however, it further rec- Plan (2002) ommends that four acres of park and The Metropolitan Bakersfield General recreation space be provided for each Plan (MBGP) is a policy document 1,000 persons.1 This minimum stan- designed to give long range guidance dard encompasses a range of general to those making decisions affecting recreation opportunities, including the future character of the 408 square mini-parks, neighborhood parks, com- mile Metropolitan Bakersfield plan- munity parks and regional parks. ning area. Development and implementation of the MBGP was a joint The MBGP also proposes organiza- effort of the City of Bakersfield and tional and funding solutions similar to the County of Kern. Initially developed those in this Plan, including: in 1990, the most recent version of the • “Allow the formation of special Plan was adopted in December 2007, park districts which provide higher and drew upon significant input from park standards that the minimum the Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020, stated…” Inc.: a broad based community effort • “Consider the formation of Com- munity Facilities Districts, especially to create a vision for the Metropolitan in newly developed areas.” Bakersfield area. 1Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan – 2002, Chap- ter XI – Parks Element, Goals #2 and # 3, page XI-4

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• “Consider the use of special taxes recreational facilities to meet Kern for financing services or facilities” County’s diverse needs, and clearly • “Provide for the creation of benefit define responsibility for the provi- assessment districts for park acqui- sion of these facilities.” sition, development and mainte- • “Provide a variety of park and nance.” recreation programs that offer safe, • “Encourage a community-wide equitable and balanced recreation parks and recreation district to opportunities for all residents and equitably distribute support for the visitors.” park system.” In order to achieve the 2.5 acres per COLLABORATIVE DOCUMENTS Kern County General Plan (2004) 1,000 standard and to effectively carry • Metropolitan Bakersfield out these policies, it also states the General Plan (2007) The Kern County General Plan ad- dresses planning issues in the un- Kern County Parks and Recreation • Kern County General Plan Department, “will evaluate the pos- (2004) incorporated areas of Kern County, sibility of alternative funding sources • Kern River Plan Element excluding those areas that lie within (1985) and the Kern River the Metropolitan Bakersfield General for the development, rehabilitation Specific Trails Plan (2003) Plan. The Land Use, Open Space and operation of park and recreation- • Kern County Strategic Plan and Conservation Element of the al facilities. These funding sources (2005/2008) Kern County General Plan, which was shall include the possible implemen- • Kern County Capital adopted in 2004, include implementa- tation of development fees and/or Improvement Plan (2008) tion measures for public facilities in- special assessment districts such as • Kern Regional Blueprint cluding some for parks and recreation used for lighting and landscaping, (2008) facilities. It states as a requirement under a County Service Area (CSA).” • Kern IRWMP (Present) that Kern County should implement a • Metropolitan Recreation Kern River Plan Element (1985) and level of service standard of 2.5 acres Center Master Plan (2000) the Kern River Specific Trails Plan of park area per 1,000 residents, (2003) and that it periodically evaluate that In 1982, the Land Use, Open Space standard to ensure it is sufficient to and Conservation Element of the Kern meet the needs of County residents. County General Plan recognized the Other policy statements assert that importance of preserving riverbeds the County like the Kern River segment in Ba- kersfield as linear parks. This recom- • “Provide recreation opportunities for all citizens of Kern County while mendation led to the development avoiding duplication between of the Kern River Plan Element, which jurisdictions. was adopted in 1985 by both the City • “Provide a balanced system of of Bakersfield and Kern County as a

I-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN introduction

part of the Metropolitan Bakersfield opment of funding mechanisms to General Plan. The Kern River Plan support phased approach to develop- Element proposed multi-use trails ment of new facilities and rehabilita- along both sides of the Kern River tion of existing facilities.” Among the and called for the development of a suggested funding mechanisms were Kern River Specific Trails Plan (KRSTP) development fees, maintenance fees, to facilitate the implementation of use fees, county service areas, and this trail. Adopted in 2003, the Kern landscape and lighting districts. River Specific Trails Plan guides the Kern County Capital Improvement planning and development of multi- Plan (2008) use trails along unincorporated areas Completed in 2008, the Kern County of the Kern River corridor. The KRSTP CIP reviewed and identified cur- is intended to complement the City rent and future infrastructure needs of Bakersfield’s Kern River Parkway in Kern County based on projected Plan which is designed to establish development through 2030. The trails along portions of the river that CIP identified all major capital im- are incorporated into the City of provement projects in nine different Bakersfield. Together, the KRSTP and facility categories, including park and the Kern River Parkway Plan, create a recreation facilities. At the time the comprehensive plan along the Kern CIP was being developed, staff from River corridor, as originally identified the Kern County Parks and Recreation in the Kern River Plan Element. Department identified five new facili-

Kern County Strategic Plan ties for the CIP, which included four (2005/2008) new parks and a community center. The Kern County Strategic Plan was Given the projected increase in popu- undertaken in 2005 and completed lation between 2008 and 2030, it was in 2008. Recreation and Culture are determined that these five planned identified as one of seven strategic facilities by themselves would not be goal areas. Among its recommended sufficient to maintain the existing level strategic outcomes was the identi- of service. Additional parks and facili- fication of unmet community needs ties, especially at the local community for park and recreation facilities. This level would be required. This finding was to be accomplished “through set the stage for the development of (an) adopted Master Plan and devel- the current Parks and Recreation Mas-

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | I-7 chapter one

ter Plan, which has been coordinated parks and recreation opportunities in with the CIP. In turn, it is expected areas where it was important to con- that the Parks and Recreation Master serve undeveloped lands and natural Plan will be used to help revise the open spaces. They also stressed that Kern County CIP in the parks and rec- youth require new and expanded Young sapling along perimeter of reation facilities category at its next park and recreation opportunities soccer field in Boron update. that address their physical activity and care needs. To achieve these objec- Kern Regional Blueprint (2008) tives, participants suggested that Initiated in 2007 and completed in improved coordination between local 2008, the Kern Regional Blueprint and regional governments should was developed through an exten- occur. It was also critical that existing sive, public participatory planning community assets and infrastructure process led by the Kern Council be improved and that new funding of Governments. Designed to ad- mechanisms would be necessary to dress the impact of growth on Kern achieve these improvements. County over the next 50 years, the Blueprint consists of a set of growth Kern IRWMP (Present) management principles, crafted by More formerly known as the Tulare participants from throughout Kern Lake Basin Portion of Kern County County, that are intended to inform Integrated Regional Water Manage- decision-making at both the regional ment Plan, the Kern IRWMP is a and local level. Many of the themes concurrent, ongoing collaborative that emerged from the Blueprint plan- planning process undertaken by water ning process are similar to those that suppliers, public agencies, envi- have come out of the public outreach ronmentalists, business groups and process for the Parks and Recreation other interested community stake- Master Plan. holders. The Kern IRWMP is being developed in accordance with the Participants in the Blueprint process Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, envisioned enhancements to the Coastal and Beach Protection Act of park system at both the regional and 2002 (Proposition 50). This new state local level that maintain or improve mandate requires all local agencies their conditions and functions. Some and communities with responsibilities participants suggested creating more that impact the management of local

I-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN introduction

and imported water supplies to plan, develop and implement an integrated water management plan to improve the quality, quantity and reliability of those water supplies.

The Kern IRWMP will provide the necessary pre-condition to seek funding for the implementation of a variety of water management strategies and multi-benefit projects, some of which could support the goals of the Kern County Parks and Recreation Master. Among these will be new sites for groundwater recharge, some of which could be in existing parks or new parks located in areas where development has not yet occurred, enabling these sites to provide dual groundwater recharge and recreation functions. MRC Master Plan was designed to Typical concession window at ball park. Metropolitan Recreation Center Master Plan (2000) create a vision for the entire site that The Metropolitan Recreation Center would ensure the continued compat- is a Kern County regional park lo- ibility of the many different cultural cated within the City of Bakersfield. and recreational functions located It includes Stramler Park, as well as within this regional park facility. numerous other cultural and recre- In addition to these countywide and ational facilities; most notably the regional planning documents, it is im- Kern County Museum and the Sam portant to point out that Kern County Lynn professional baseball team. The is not the only public agency respon- MRC Master Plan, adopted in 2000, sible for the delivery of parks and was developed in anticipation that recreation services in Kern County. As the museum would experience future explained in more detail elsewhere in exhibit and development growth. The this Plan, there are also five municipal

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | I-9 chapter one

park and recreation departments, federal level have included proposals eight independent park districts, and by the U.S. Forest Service to increase a community services district provid- access fees for high impact recreation ing park and recreation services at areas around Lake Isabella, as well the local level. In addition, California as development of a Motor Vehicle State Parks and federal agencies like Travel Management Plan in the same the U.S. Forest Service and the Bu- area. Elsewhere, the most notable re- reau of Land Management are major cent planning effort which will expand providers of parks and recreation ser- recreational opportunities in Kern vices within Kern County, as explained County is the creation of the 240,000 further in chapter II. All of these juris- acre Tejon Ranch Preserve, which will dictions (local, state and federal) have include among many other elements, been and will be engaged in parks a realignment of the Paciﬁc Crest Trail and recreation planning to one extent through Tejon Ranch and the creation or another. Some of the most recent of a major State Park. planning efforts at the local level In order to successfully achieve the include the City of Bakersﬁeld Parks objectives of this Master Plan, it will and Recreation Master Plan, the City be critically important for Kern County of McFarland Parks and Recreation to work closely with these local park Master Plan, and the Rosamond Com- jurisdictions, and also the relevant munity Services District Park System state and federal agencies, as they Master Plan, all of which were com- and the County have over the years pleted in 2007. Examples of recent Ballfield in Boron collectively developed what now func- recreational planning activities at the

I-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN introduction

tions as a countywide park system but for better understanding the varied are independently operating separate communities and vast landscape that parts of that system. To ensure these shape the County. different components are aligned to Chapter 3: Existing Parks and Recre- work well together, avoid duplica- ation System provides a profile of all tive roles and responsibilities, and parks and recreation facilities currently fill avoidable gaps in the delivery of managed and operated by the Kern recreation services, then inter-jurisdic- County Parks and Recreation Depart- tional planning and implementation ment. It also identifies parks and will be a necessity. recreation facilities offered by other local park jurisdictions in Kern County, 1.4 PLAN ORGANIZATION as well as recreation programs offered The Parks and Recreation Master Plan by these park agencies and other is organized as eight chapters and providers. appendices (to be published as a separate document). Chapter 4: Park, Facility and Program Needs presents key findings from the Chapter 1: Introduction describes public involvement process and sum- the purpose of the Plan, phases in the marizes community needs for parks, development of the plan, the involve- recreation facilities and programs ment of County residents, the rela- based on a desired level of service tionship between this Plan and other and the community’s vision for their planning documents, the organization ideal, future park system. of the Plan document, and an overview of Plan policies and goals. Chapter 5: Policies, Goals and Ac- tions presents a framework for the Chapter 2: Planning Context provides overall management of the Kern an overview of Kern County, including County parks and recreation system, background relevant to the plan, such encompassing a set of policies and as the County’s geographical context, goals, and recommended actions for history, demographics, community achieving these goals. These goals profiles and other park agencies and and actions are designed to achieve jurisdictions. It also defines the five the needs and priorities of residents subareas (or regions) in Kern County as identified through the needs as- that provided a useful framework sessment process.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | I-11 chapter one

Chapter 6: Implementation/Capital quality regional system of parks, open Improvement Plan presents speciﬁc spaces, landscapes, and recreational recommendations for improving facilities to support and enhance the existing parks, developing new parks quality of life for our residents and and other improvements to the park visitors. system. Policies Chapter 7: Organizational Reform of • Policy I – Develop and maintain County Park System is a regional look a countywide system of regional parks, natural open spaces and at how Kern County, other park agen- recreational facilities which to- cies and the community can work gether provide opportunities for together in a new way to meet the both active and passive recreation, park and recreation needs of the Kern serving the wide ranging recreational and social needs of the County residents distinctive, varied communities of Chapter8: Funding Options and Kern County. Recommendations presents rec- • Policy II - Maximize resources and expand opportunities for ommended capital and operations the County-wide parks and rec- funding strategies that will be needed reation system by reforming the to implement the policies, goals and ﬁnancial support structure for the actions outlined in this Plan. park system, enhancing organizational capabilities, and pro-actively Appendices: These materials are engaging other organizations and assembled in a volume published the community at large through partnerships and other cooperative separately from the Master Plan. arrangements. 1.5 PLAN OVERVIEW Goals The management framework for the • Goal 1 - Rehabilitate, renovate Kern County Parks and Recreation and modernize existing parks and Master Plan consists of the following recreational facilities in the Kern County park system consistent with key elements: park standards.

Mission • Goal 2 – Provide a minimum standard of 5 acres of park land The Kern County Parks and Rec- per 1,000 residents. This standard reation Department develops and would apply to regional parks serv- maintains a safe, accessible, high ing the entire County, as well as

I-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN introduction

local parks in unincorporated areas of the County not served by a local park district. • Goal 3 - Provide access to various types of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities with the capacity to support increased recreation programming and provide year- round recreation opportunities for all County residents • Goal 4 - Expand trail connections and pathways throughout Kern County • Goal 5 - Ensure that all Kern Coun- ty parks and recreation facilities maintain a high level of safety and security for visitors and employees. • Goal 6 - Incorporate natural areas and unique ecological and archeological features into the park and open space system to protect threatened species, conserve recreation programs and services Above: Perfect tree for shady reading. significant natural and cultural provided by other park agencies, resources and retain critical habi- non-profit groups, and community tat areas that are unique to Kern organizations in Kern County. County. • Goal 10 - Engage Kern County • Goal 7 - Achieve sustainable long- residents in the planning, steward- term financial viability for the Kern ship, and programming of park and County park system to satisfy oper- recreation resources, and provide ational needs, capital requirements effective community outreach and desired recreation services. and marketing to increase public awareness and support of recre- • Goal 8 -Coordinate with other park ation services. agencies, park and recreation districts and private providers to en- • Goal 11 – Design and manage sure that the parks and recreation County parks and recreation facili- needs of all Kern County residents ties to support families, provide are being met. youth with healthy and safe recreational activities, and to encourage • Goal 9 – Continue to support community building the development and delivery of

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | I-13 chapter one

• Goal 12 - Develop, train, and sup- timated. The same can also be said port a professional parks depart- for the time required to undertake ment staff that effectively serves THIS PLAN CHARTS A PATH changes in the underlying institutional the community in the realization structure for developing, operating FORWARD, RECOGNIZING THAT of the goals and objectives of this Plan. and ﬁnancing the park system, which IT IS MEANT TO SERVE AS A are also recommended in this Plan. 1.6 IMPLEMENTATION These organizational changes will GUIDE FOR THE COUNTY AND This plan will serve as a framework likely prove challenging to undertake for future decision making, prior- ITS DECISION-MAKERS OVER and will require careful planning and ity setting and budgeting. It also implementation over a number of THE NEXT TWO DECADES. describes a desired future for the years. Successfully achieving these park and recreation system. Achiev- organizational and ﬁnancial reforms, ing this desired future condition is however, will greatly facilitate the necessarily a long term process. The implementation of improvements to time required to carry out physical the park system itself. This Plan charts improvements on the ground in the a path forward, recognizing that it form of existing parks renovated and is meant to serve as a guide for the new parks built in communities now County and its decision-makers over without parks should not be underes- the next two decades.

I-14 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER TWO

2 planning context THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER TWO planning context

A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING as a whole, encompasses a diverse of Kern County’s planning context terrain and climate that runs the is a key component of a successful gamut from desert to snow capped planning process. This chapter of mountains. It shares its borders with the Kern County Parks and Recre- eight other counties, the greatest ation Master Plan summarizes the number of any county in California. context in which the Kern County The latest information from the park system operates. Specifically, California Department of Finance this chapter: estimates the total population of • Provides an overview of the Kern Kern County to be 827,173.1 The Above: Excerpt from an 1895 California County planning area, atlas. vast majority of the population, 40 • Discusses the history of Kern percent, is concentrated in the city Below: Bakersfield Inn with original sign County, as it was built in 1949. Photo courtesy of of Bakersfield where the county seat the Kern County Library. • Profiles the Kern County is located. community in terms of population growth, development To place Kern County and other related demographic information, in perspective, the table below compares • Notes the various governmental jurisdictions within Kern County the area, population, that are involved in planning density, park acreage park and recreation services. and park acreage per person of five other 2.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT California counties: The County of Kern is located in the Fresno, Riverside, San Central Valley of California and is Bernardino, Madera the third largest county in the state. and Tulare. With a total area of 8,170 square miles, Kern County, like California 1California Department of Finance, E-1: City/County Population Estimates with Annual Percent Change: Total population 1-1-09 .

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | II-1 chapter two

There are eleven incorporated cities influence of Bakersfield. These will within the County: Arvin, California be discussed in Section 2.4 of this City, Delano, Maricopa, McFarland, chapter. Ridgecrest, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, Wasco and metropolitan Bakersfield, 2.2 HISTORY which includes a number of unincor- The Spanish first claimed the Kern porated communities within its area County area in 1769. It was eventually of influence. Of those incorporated ceded to the U.S. in 1848 under the cities, seven own and operate their Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The own park system: Arvin, Bakersfield, discovery of gold in the 1850s was re- California City, Delano, Maricopa, sponsible for the first influx of Ameri- Ridgecrest, and Shafter. can settlers. News of the discovery spread fast, and pioneers and miners In addition to the cities mentioned traveled from all over to make their above that operate and maintain their fortune. The Kern River gold excite- own parks, there are several inde- ment produced several large discov- pendent park districts throughout eries until mining eventually gave way the county that serve the recreation to farming. needs of residents living beyond the Kern County was of- ficially formed on April COUNTY POPULATION, DENSITY AND PER CAPITA COMPARISONS 2, 1866 from portions of

1 Density County Area/ Park Acreage Los Angeles and Tu- County Population 1 1 Park Acreage Persons Sq. Mi. p/1000 persons lare Counties. The next Kern 827,173 101 8,170 4,702 5.7 large discovery for Kern Fresno 942,298 157 5,998 1,361 1.53 County was oil. In 1894 Riverside 2,107,653 291 7,243 44,0002 20.28 the Midway-Sunset Oil San Bernardino 2,060,950 102 20,164 9,2003 4.46 Field, the third largest in the United States, was Madera 152,331 71 2,147 253.62 1.66 discovered. Numerous Tulare 441,481 90 4884 460 1.04 other large producing oil 1Source: California State Association of Counties website - 2008 2Source: Riverside County Regional Park &Open Space District website ﬁelds were discovered 3Source: Annual 2008-09 San Bernardino County budget throughout the County, including the Kern River

II-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN planning context

Oil Field which is the fifth largest in the United States. Age Distribution of Population Kern County Numerous noteworthy events mark the history of Kern County. Several Under 5 9% large earthquakes have taken place 5 to 9 9% in the area, including the 1952 quake 10 to 14 10% 15 to 19 8% that measured a 7.2 on the Richter 20 to 24 5% scale and caused the deaths of 12 25 to 34 12% people, and the Lone Pine earth- 35 to 44 14% quake of 1872 which was the second 45 to 54 13% strongest quake in California history. 55 to 64 11% Kern County is also home to two 65+ 11% major aeronautic and military research 0% 5% 10% 15% and development facilities. Edwards Air Force Base is the site of the first supersonic flight and the first landing The current number of persons per Chart provided by Research Network Ltd. of the Space Shuttle. The China Lake household in Kern County is 3.11 from telephone survey conducted Jan. 2009 Naval Weapons Center in Ridgecrest compared with 2.94for the State of develops and tests airborne weapon California. systems. Demography

2.3 COMMUNITY PROFILES As of 2007 the ethnic make up of the County was 63 percent White; 6 Housing percent African American; 4 percent The Central Valley of California has Asian; and 27 percent were of other seen signiﬁcant housing growth races. The mix of Hispanic and non- between 2000 and 2007. Kern County Hispanic populations is roughly equal, housing units grew from 231,567 although the percentage of Hispanic in 2000 to 276,602 in 2008; a 19% residents at 45.1% is expected to con- increase that almost doubles the tinue to growing. overall 10% growth of housing units in all of California during the same time Education period. During the 2007-08 school, the total number of students enrolled in Kern

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | II-3 chapter two

County schools between grades K-12 agricultural production after Fresno, was 174,180. Of adults 25 and over, 71 Tulare and Monterey counties. percent had graduated high school Agriculture has been Kern County’s and 14 percent had completed a number one industry for many years. bachelor’s degree or an additional Approximately one out of every four graduate degree. Nearly one-third of jobs in Kern County is related to the population left high school before agriculture. However, the number of graduating. farm jobs is shrinking due, in part, to Kern County ranks second in the state the sell off of farmland. Government for increase in school enrollment and jobs account for the greatest growth is projected to maintain that level of during the years 2007-2008 in Kern growth for the next 10 to20 years ac- County according to a California Em- cording to the California Department ployment Development Department of Finance. report of November 2008.

Income and Economy Kern County is also rich in minerals The median household income of and underground resources and sup- Kern residents as reported during plies the largest portion of oil produc- 2005-2007 was $44,620 while per tion in California. capita income was $19,477. These Geography numbers are significantly lower than Because Kern County covers such a comparable figures for the rest of the vast territory, and because its regions State which are $50,007 and $26,178 vary so dramatically in topography, respectively. population, commerce, demography The Central Valley of California, of and economy, for purposes of this which Kern County is a part, is known planning document the county is as one of the most productive agricul- divided into five Areas which can be tural areas in the world. Kern County seen on the Kern County Map fold- leads the state in the production of out in this chapter. Looking at the several crops; including almonds, county in terms of five geographic pistachios, carrots, watermelons, Areas facilitated the community sheep and wool, helping to make outreach process and the analysis of the County the fourth in California findings from each of these regions.

II-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN planning context

This ensured that the perspective of addition to Tehachapi, the only other residents living in the smaller more incorporated city in this area is Cali- rural communities in unincorporated fornia City. Edwards Air Force Base is parts of the County would not be also located in this area. overshadowed by the larger popula- Area 3 – Greater Bakersfield – lying at tion centers in and near Bakersfield. the southern end of the San Joaquin For this same reason it was neces- Valley, this expansive metropolitan sary to define one of these Areas, area is the demographic, economic Map showing the five areas used to identify Area 5, as consisting of two separate and political center of Kern County. geographic regions of the County. subareas, one lying north and the Area 4 – West Kern County – a part other south of Bakersfield. It was of the San Joaquin Valley located to determined that although these two the west of Bakersfield, it includes the subareas are not contiguous to each incorporated cities of Maricopa and other, they are similar demographi- Taft. This area remains the center of cally and needed to be viewed as a oil production in Kern County. single territory to provide a population base large enough for purposes Area 5 – Valley North of Bakersfield of the telephone survey and subse- and Sub-Area 5B- South of Bakers- quent analyses. field – a rich, agricultural area that includes several incorporated cities Area 1 – North East Kern County including Arvin (in area 5B to the –a significant portion of this area lies south of Bakersfield), and Delano, within the Sequoia National Forest, McFarland, Shafter and Wasco to the encompasses the many small rural north of Bakersfield communities of the Kern River Valley, and includes only one incorporated A more complete list of cities and city, Ridgecrest, near the eastern edge communities within these five geo- of Kern County. graphic areas are identified below.

Area 2 – South East Kern County 2.4 LOCAL PARK –encompasses the mountain commu- JURISDICTIONS nities of Frazier Park and Tehachapi, In Kern County, there are many differ- along with communities further to the ent cities, districts, agencies, depart- east that lie in the Mojave Desert. In

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | II-5 chapter two

ments, and public and private groups only provider of parks and recreation involved with the provision of parks, services. In addition, however, the De- AREA 1 – NORTH KERN COUNTY open space, and recreation facilities partment still operates and manages on local, county, state and federal lev- a large number of local neighborhood Alta Sierra Bodﬁsh els. Overlapping jurisdictions, goals parks located within independent Glennville and strategies have helped create an park districts and some cities. Inyokern interesting patchwork of parks, open Johannesburg The Department owns approximately space, and recreation programs. Kernville 4,702 acres of parkland at 48 sites. Lake Isabella Kern County Parks and Recreation Over 90% (or 4282acres) lie within the Mountain Mesa Department 7 regional parks owned and managed Onyx Randsburg Created in 1952, the Kern County by the Department. There is at least Ridgecrest Parks and Recreation Department one regional park in each of the ﬁve South Lake (Department) provides public parks to areas of the County: Twin Oaks the residents of Kern County, focus- Wofford Heights • Greenhorn Mountain Park (Area 1) ing especially on regional parks for • Leroy Jackson Park (Area 1) the entire County population and on AREA 2 – SOUTH KERN more local recreation needs of resi- • Tehachapi Mountain Park (Area 2) COUNTY dents living in unincorporated areas. • Kern River County Park (Area 3) Boron This is especially true for residents • Metropolitan Recreation Center/ California City Stramler Park (Area 3) Frazier Park in unincorporated communities not Mojave living within one of the independent • Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area (Area 4) North Edwards park districts, where the County is the Rosamond • Lake Woolomes (Area 5) Tehachapi

AREA 4 – WEST KERN COUNTY AREA 5– VALLEY/NORTH OF AREA 3 – GREATER BAKERSFIELD BAKERSFIELD Buttonwillow Derby Acres Delano Bakersfield Dustin Acres Lost Hills East Bakersfield Fellows McFarland Greenfield Ford City Shafter Lamont Maricopa Wasco Oildale McKittrick Rosedale Taft SUBAREA 5B – VALLEY/SOUTH OF BAKERSFIELD Shafter Valley Acres South Bakersfield Arvin

II-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN KINGS COUNTY TULARE COUNTY INYO COUNTY

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST Richgrove Pearsonville

Delano Kernville Lake Wo ollom es China Lake Naval Wofford 33 Weapons Air Station 46 Heights Area 5 65 Lake 43 Isabella Onyx Inyokern MCFARLAND Weldon Ridgecrest Lost Hills RECREATION AND Lake Mountain WASCO PARK DISTRICT Isabella Mesa China RECREATION Squirrel Lake Acres AND PARK 99 Mountain er DISTRICT R iv Bodfish Valley n Area 1 14 5 Area 3 Ke r SHAFTER RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT 178 Area 4 Shafter BUTTONWILLOW RECREATION AND Bakersfield PARK DISTRICT NORTH OF THE RIVER RECREATION WESTSIDE AND PARK DISTRICT Randsburg RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT 58 McKittrick Lamont Derby SAN LUIS Weedpatch Acres Valley Keene OBISPO COUNTY Acres Lake Dustin We bb Fellows Acres Ford City Arvin Bear Valley California City Springs Golden Area 2 Taft Subarea Hills Stallion Tehachapi 5b Springs 166 Mettler TEHACHAPI VALLEY 166 North BEAR MT RECREATION Edwards RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT Boron AND PARK Mojave 58 DISTRICT

5 14 SANTA BARBARA ROSAMOND Edwards AFB COUNTY Pine Rosamond COMMUNITY Mountain Lake of the SERVICE DISTRICT 1:600,000 LOS PADRES Club Woods Lebec NATIONAL FOREST Frazier Miles Park 0105 VENTURA COUNTY LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Kern County Facilities Other Jurisdiction Facilities National Forest Other County Kern County 5 Parks Master Plan City or Park District Facility Park Districts Interstate/Highway 1 Kern County, California County Facility 3 Park, Open Space & Greenway Subject Area Major Road 4 County Building 5b Publicly Owned Facility Other Subject Area Railroad 2 Kern County

Regional Park State Park City Limits Water Feature March 2009 | Data Sources: Kern County GIS, Calif. Spatial Data Library, and ESRI USA 2006 planning context

CITY PARKS CITY OF BAKERSFIELD University Park The remaining 420 acres of County Wayside Park Aera Park (under construction) Weill Park park land is divided among 40 small Amberton Park Weston Park local neighborhood parks, ranging in Beach Park Wilderness Park Beale Park size from one to forty acres, distributed Wilson Park Bill Park Greens throughout all parts of the County. In Windemere Park Campus Park North addition to these 47 parks, the County Windsor Park Campus Park South Yokuts Park park system includes 23 public build- Castle Park CITY OF ARVIN ings, encompassing community and Centennial Park recreation centers and senior and Centennial Plaza Park Kovacevich Park Central Park veterans buildings, also located in Smothermon Park Challenger Park CITY OF DELANO communities throughout the region. Coral Keys Park The Department’s facilities also in- Corvallis Park Cecil Park clude three golf courses, ﬁshing lakes, Deer Peak Park Cesar Chavez Park Garden Park individual campgrounds, and boating Heritage Park Granite Pointe Park Jefferson Park and sailing facilities. In the case of the Greystone Park Morningside Park Lake Isabella Recreation Area, a major Grissom Park CALIFORNIA CITY regional recreation asset, the Kern Haggin Oaks Park County Parks and Recreation Depart- Jastro Park Balsitis Park Jefferson Park Central Park ment does not own any land but it Joshua Park CITY OF MARICOPA does provide recreation services. A Kern River Parkway complete inventory of Kern County Kroll Park John Burke Park Maricopa Memorial Park parks and facilities owned and oper- Lowell Park Martin Luther King Jr. Park ated by the Department is provided in CITY OF RIDGECREST Park at River Walk Chapter III. Patriots Park Freedom Park Pin Oak Park Hellmers Park City Parks and Recreation Planz Park James M. Pearson Memorial Park In addition to the local and regional Quailwood Park Kerr McGee Youth Sports Complex River Oaks Park Leroy Jackson Park Sports Complex parks provided by the Kern County Saunders Park Ridgecrest Skate Park Parks and Recreation Department, Seasons Park Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool there is also an extensive network of Siemon Park Upjohn Park parks provided by other local jurisdic- Silver Creek Park CITY OF SHAFTER Solera Gardens tions. Seven of the 11 incorporated Mannel Park Stiern Park cities in Kern County provide their Hudson Park Stone Creek Park New Community Park residents with parks and recreation Tevis Park Rodriguez Park services. The City of Bakersﬁeld, with Tradewinds Park over 50 parks, is the largest of these

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | II-7 chapter two

SPECIAL PARK DISTRICTS

BEAR MOUNTAIN city park systems. Included among district (Rosamond). Together these RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT these parks is the Kern River Parkway, park districts provide over 40 parks or a key regional recreation resource recreation facilities, along with local Bear Mountain Park Weedpatch Park that the City of Bakersﬁeld has been recreation programming. The extent developing in cooperation with Kern and variety of parks and programs BUTTONWILLOW RECREATION AND PARK County. When fully complete it will does vary between districts depend- DISTRICT extend for 30 miles along the Kern ing on the level of local ﬁnancial sup- MCFARLAND RECREATION River from near the mouth of the Kern port and the primary mission of the AND PARK DISTRICT River Canyon to Enos Lane near the organization.

Browning Road Park I-5 Freeway. Another 23 local parks McFarland Park are provided by the remaining six city 2.5 OTHER PARK AND park departments, as listed below. All RECREATION PROVIDERS NORTH OF THE RIVER RECREATION AND PARK of these local parks are featured in National Forests and other Federal DISTRICT the area maps that appear in Chapter Recreation Resources Almondale Park III. Many of these city park depart- Significant portions of two national Emerald Cove Park ments also provide recreation pro- forests maintained by the U. S. De- Fruitvale Norris Park grams, also described in Chapter III. partment of Agriculture Forest Service Greenacres Community Center are located in Kern County. The Los Liberty Park Special Park and Recreation Madison Grove Park Padres National Forest lies in the Districts McCray Park southwestern corner of Kern County Alongside the city park departments, Mondavi Park adjacent to Frazier Park. The Sequoia North Beardsley Park there are nine special park and recre- National Forest dominates large areas North Highland Park ation districts encompassing over 50% in the north central and northeastern North Meadows Park of the unincorporated area of Kern North Rosedale Park portions of the county, with much of it County and 40% of its unincorporated Olive Park East surrounding the Lake Isabelle Re- population. Park districts are found in Olive Park West gional Recreation Area. Both national Rasmussen Center all but one of the five park planning forests provide camping facilities and Riverview Park areas, previously described (See map San Lauren Park an extensive range of other outdoor insert). Residents living within these Sears Park recreation opportunities. The Bureau park districts are less dependent on Standard Park of Land Management is another Westdale Park Kern County Parks and Recreation major federal land owner in Kern Department for local parks. ROSAMOND COMMUNITY County offering recreational oppor- SERVICES DISTRICT Eight are independent park districts, tunities, including a portion of the Open Space Park and the ninth is a community services Pacific Crest Trail which traverses Kern

II-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN planning context

County along a route that lies east of tions located in Kern County, there is Tehachapi and Lake Isabella. The U.S. a four-year state university and two SPECIAL PARK DISTRICTS Fish and Wildlife Service operates community colleges that also offer SHAFTER RECREATION AND the Kern National Wildlife Refuge, an significant recreational facilities and PARK DISTRICT 11, 249 acre site west of Delano that programs that help meet community TEHACHAPI VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK serves as a major wintering habitat for recreation needs. DISTRICT waterfowl. Military Institutions Dye Natatorium Brite Lake State Parks Kern County is also home to two Central Park California State Parks manages four significant military installations located Meadowbrook Park parks in Kern County. Three of these in the Mojave Desert, Edwards Air Morris Park parks were established to preserve Force Base and the China Lake Naval West Park significant historic, cultural or natural Air Weapons Station. Both bases offer WASCO RECREATION AND resources, including Fort Tejon State a variety of recreation facilities and PARK DISTRICT

Historic Park, Tomo-Kahni State His- programs for military personnel, their Barker Park toric Park, and Tule Elk State Nature families, and civilian employees. Westside Park Reserve. The fourth park, Red Rock Cormack Park Private Providers Canyon State Park, features spectacu- WESTSIDE RECREATION AND Private providers contribute many lar desert cliff and rock formations, as PARK DISTRICT more recreation facilities and pro- well as camping and other outdoor Taft Community Center grams within the County. Signiﬁcant recreational opportunities. Fitness Center providers include organizations such Skate Escape Educational Institutions as the Boys & Girls Club and the Community Center Park (Skate Park) Kern County has a variety of educa- YMCA, along with many more sports Franklin Field Complex (27 acre complex) tional institutions that contribute to leagues, clubs and other organiza- “A” Street Park the supply of open space, community tions providing diverse sporting Mil Potrero Park and recreational facilities within the events, programs and league activi- Westside Mountain Park (Camp county. There are forty seven public ties throughout Kern County. A more Condor is leased from the school districts collectively operating detailed overview of these recreation County) 269 school sites located throughout programs is provided in Chapter III. the county that contribute to the An especially signiﬁcant regional recreational needs of the school age recreation facility is provided by the population, and some adults. Among Kern County Soccer Foundation which post-secondary educational institu- operates the Kern County Soccer

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | II-9 chapter two

Park. This major sports complex is part of the Kern River County Park and includes over 24 soccer ﬁelds.

2.6 PLANNING CONTEXT IMPLICATIONS As described in this chapter, Kern County’s geography, population growth, land use and development, natural resources, and overlapping political jurisdictions all affect provision of parks, recreation facilities, open space and programs. These factors are noted here to provide important context for the description of Kern County’s Parks and Recreation Cliffside of Red Rock Canyon State Park. Department inventory or parks and facilities, which appears in Chapter III.

II-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER THREE

3 existing parks and recreation system THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER THREE existing parks and recreation system

THE PARK SYSTEM WITHIN Kern 23 public buildings and provides County consists of a variety of parks services within a regional recre- and recreation facilities owned by ation area. It is also responsible for numerous public agencies. The supervising three golf courses and Kern County Parks and Recreation providing landscape services for 76 Department contributes approxi- county buildings. mately 4,726 acres of parks and This chapter of the Kern County open space to this system. These Parks and Recreation Master Plan parks provide a variety of recreation portrays the scope and nature of experiences for people who live, the existing County park system. work, visit and play in Kern County. Speciﬁcally, this chapter: The Kern County Parks and Recre- • Presents the park classiﬁcation ation Department was established system in 1952 with the consolidation of • Reviews the existing park and the Kern County Parks Department facility inventory with the Kern County Recreation • Outlines current recreation and Cultural Commission. It cur- programming available in the rently manages and operates seven County through other providers regional parks1, 40 local parks2, 3.1 PARK CLASSIFICATIONS

1The Kern County Capital Improvement Plan Within the extensive park system identiﬁes 2 additional regional recreation described above, the Parks and facilities. They are not included here as (1) Camp Condor is operated by the Westside Recreation Department provides Recreation and Park District under a long a wide variety of recreation op- term lease with Kern County, and (2) the transition of the Kernville Fish Hatchery portunities. Some of its parks are from the USFS to Kern County Parks has not yet occurred. locally oriented, while others serve

2The 2008 Kern County CIP indicates a need to include leased parkland instead total of 4843.90 acres instead of the 4702 of only County owned parkland in the CIP, acres shown here. These differences are, in and other factors. A detailed review of the part, due to changes in the park inventory differences can be found on fold out Table that have taken place in the past year, the 3.1 (inserted after page III-84).

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-1 chapter three

residents on a regional scale. A park cally centered with safe walking and classification system provides a way bicycle access. Neighborhood parks to plan for park, recreation, and open can be developed in conjunction with space needs in the future. These park elementary schools, libraries or other categories are defined in the next complementary, compatible public several pages. facilities, when opportunities are available. Neighborhood Parks These sites serve a small area and Community Parks a small population within a densely Community parks are larger in size developed residential area. Neigh- and focus on serving the active and borhood parks are typically six to ten passive recreational needs of several acres in size, although the determin- neighborhoods. Typically community ing factor in size is the anticipated parks will be ten acres or more, in or- type of use. These parks are intended der to accommodate a variety of facil- to provide easy access – particu- ities and activities. A community park larly for pedestrians and cyclists – to may include sports fields and courts, frequently used park and recreation athletic complexes, aquatic facilities, facilities, such as children’s play- activity centers and gymnasiums, chil- grounds, turf fields and sports courts, dren’s playground equipment, walk- as well as walking paths and picnic ing paths, natural areas, event space areas. Neighborhood parks can also and picnic areas. Community parks be small green oases that are pri- support programmed activities and marily intended for enjoying nature. provide space for casual use. Com- Restrooms should be provided when munity parks should have restrooms there are large picnic facilities, high in at least one part of the park site. levels of programmed activities or The site should allow for organized when the park is of a larger size. Ame- group activities and offer other recre- nities and facilities should support ational opportunities too impactful or casual use, be designed at a scale for too large-scale for the neighborhood those living within the service area park level. The site should be easily and accommodate a variety of age accessible by motorists, pedestrians and user groups. The site should be and bicyclists. Community parks may easily accessible to the neighbor- be developed in conjunction with a hood population and geographi- junior high or high school or other

III-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

compatible public facilities when op- facilities that attract visitors from portunities are available. throughout the entire region (including incorporated and unincorporated Regional Parks areas). Regional recreation areas may Regional parks are large (200 acres be composed of one large site or sev- or greater), multi-use parks that can eral sites located in proximity that to- include a wide variety of facilities. gether provide a significant recreation These parks can be very large ver- area for the region. These parks may sions of community parks that pro- include areas of significant natural vide large complexes of sports fields, resources, as well as more developed specialized facilities for performance activity sites. Regional recreation areas or large group gatherings, or unique may be supported by a wide variety facilities that are not appropriate for of specialized facilities such as indoor local parks due to the large number recreation centers, large group picnic of people using them. Other types of areas, special event facilities/festival regional parks are themed around a space, and campgrounds. particular facility, historical reference or natural resource that attracts a high The Kern River County Park is an level of interest, including areas that example of a regional recreation area preserve significant environmental consisting as it does of a cluster of re- features. This classification is desir- gional parks and recreational facilities, able if the site is contiguous to or including Hart Memorial Park and the encompasses unique natural features. Kern County Soccer Park. The Lake The primary distinction of a regional Isabella Recreation Area is another park is that it draws visitors from a example. Although the Kern County very large geographic area due to the Parks and Recreation Department uniqueness of the facilities, setting does not own land here, it does pro- or theme within the region. Regional vide some recreational services within parks are intended to serve the popu- what is a major regional recreational lation of the entire County. resource area.

Regional Recreation Areas Special Use Facilities Regional recreation areas provide Special use areas are sites that are access to signiﬁcant ecological, cul- occupied by a specialized facility or tural, or historical features or unique fulﬁll a particular purpose. Typical

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-3 chapter three

special use sites include boat ramps, usability, accessibility, maintenance, sport field complexes or community up-to-date standards, circulation, centers. These facilities can serve shelter and shade provided, along either a local or a regional function, with whether the facility is fulfilling its depending on the type of activity and need for the community in which it is the availability of that activity in other located. locations. Examples include the three These evaluations are not a substi- golf courses owned and managed tute for a thorough infrastructure or by the Kern County Parks and Recre- architectural examination nor do they ation Department, as well as the Kern take the place of a formal ADA as- County Soccer Park, which is oper- sessment. ated by a private organization on land leased from the County. There are a number of similar conditions that were observed in many sites 3.2 EXISTING PARK INVEN- throughout the County. TORY AND CONDITIONS • Although much of the children’s The Kern County Parks and Recre- play equipment in parks has been ation Department owns approximate- replaced with new, old and out- ly 4,702 acres of parks at 47 sites rang- dated equipment is still on site. ing from the very large 1445 acre Kern • The majority of parks that offer ball River County Park to the very tiny 0.1 fields or soccer fields appear to acre Circle Park in Bakersfield. be suffering from ground squirrel infestation making the surface at To make its evaluation of the parks least uneven and in some cases treacherous for play. and facilities owned by the county, the MIG Team visited each site and • Parks outside the major metropolitan Bakersfield area are in need of observed the general condition of the the most care and attention. parks’ facilities, equipment, amenities, Recommendations for addressing furnishing and buildings. the specific needs of the facilities The observation of the sites takes into reviewed in this report will be found in account the general attractiveness, Chapter VI.

PARK TYPES NUMBER OF ACRES OF PARK % OF PARK SYSTEM SITES LAND Regional Parks 7 4282 92% Local/Neighborhood Parks 40 420.25 8% Public Buildings 23

III-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system rovide easier recoginition rovide AREA COLOR KEY section was assigned a color to p Each area of Kern used to identify the various regions County. This map illustrates the areas

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-5 chapter three

Area 1 – North Kern County (Lake AREA 1 – NORTH KERN COUNTY (LAKE ISABELLA TO RIDGECREST) Isabella to Ridgecrest) Regional Parks This northeastern part of the county, NAME ACRES LOCATION encompassing both mountain and Greenhorn Mountain Park 110 Alta Sierra desert communities, is bordered by Leroy Jackson Regional Park 100 Ridgecrest Tulare and Inyo counties on the north Regional Recreation Area and San Bernardino County to the Lake Isabella Recreation Area* 11,217 Lake Isabella east, and includes a major portion *Not an official part of the Kern County park system, but the Kern County Parks and Recre- of the Sequoia National Forest. It is ation Department provides recreation services inside the park area. served by two regional parks, nine Local/Neighborhood Parks Circle Park 1 Kernville local/neighborhood parks, four public Inyokern Park (see Senior Center) 3 Inyokern buildings, and a regional recreation Lake Isabella Park 40 Lake Isabella area. Altogether this section of the Mountain Mesa Park 5.2 Mountain Mesa park system encompasses 427 acres Ed Oakley Park (see Memorial Hall) 1.7 Twin Oaks of County park land. A key recreation Randsburg Park 0.2 Randsburg asset, the 11,217 acre Lake Isabella Riverside Park 5 Kernville Regional Recreation Area, is located Scodie Park 4 Onyx Wofford Heights Park 7 Wofford Heights in Area 1. Although the Kern County Parks and Recreation Department Public Buildings does not own this park land, it does NAME LOCATION CAPACITY provide recreation services, includ- Inyokern Senior Center Inyokern 160 ing a patrol boat to monitor boating Kern River Valley Veterans/Senior Center Lake Isabella 764 activities and safety compliance as Ed Oakley Memorial Hall Twin Oaks 227 well as perform rescue operations as Rand Community Building Johannesburg 190 needed on the lake.

III-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN Kern County TULARE COUNTY SEQUOIA INYO COUNTY Parks Master Plan NATIONAL FOREST Kern County, California

Kern County Facilities Greenhorn Kernville Circle Park Mountain Park Riverside Park County Facility 155 Wofford Heights Park County Building Scodie Park Regional Park 178 Leroy Jackson Lake Regional Park Isabella Inyokern Senior Mountain Other Jurisdiction Facilities Kern River Valley Center and Park Mesa Park C F Veterans/Senior Center SEQUOIA E City or Park District Facility NATIONAL FOREST B H Lake Isabella G J D Park, Open Space & Greenway Lake Isabella Recreation Area I A Park Linda Kissick Publicly Owned Facility Ball Field Area 3 State Park Kern River National Forest SEQUOIA Park Districts NATIONAL FOREST 395 14 Subject Area Other Subject Area City Limits Bakersfield Rand RED ROCK Community Other County CANYON Building STATE PARK Interstate/Highway Randsburg Major Road Ed Oakley Park Memorial Hall Railroad Water Feature

58 SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY TEHACHAPI VALLEY RECREATION 1 AND PARK DISTRICT Ridgecrest City Facilities Area 2 A Freedom Park B Helmers Park James M. Pearson Memorial Park Subarea 5b C 02040Miles D Kerr McGee Community Center BEAR MT RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT E Ridgecrest Skate Park F Ridgecrest Senior Center Area 1: G Kerr McGee Youth Sports Complex North Kern County H Leroy Jackson Park 1:400,000 I Sgt John Pinney Memorial Pool March 2009 | Data Sources: Miles J Upjohn Park Kern County GIS, Calif. Spatial 0105 Data Library, and ESRI USA 2006 14 existing parks and recreation system

GREENHORN MOUNTAIN PARK

Classiﬁcation: Regional Park Acres: 110 Status: Partially Developed Existing Facilities Family campsites, Group campsites, picnic tables and BBQ, Camp Yenis Hante with cabins, mess hall, showers and toilets. Conditions Some signs are dated. The destination signs are in good condition. The roads are in poor condition. Observations/ Natural mountains camp- Comments: ground Recommendations: • Routine maintenance of signs, picnic areas and resurface roads.

• Cabins and mess hall need work.

• Restrooms & showers need replacement.

• Damage from vandalism needs to be repaired.

• A water system needs to be developed for Camp Kaweah.

• The water tank needs to be replaced for the campground and Yenis Hante.

• An alternate water supply needs to be evaluated.

AREA 1

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-7 chapter three

LEROY JACKSON REGIONAL PARK

Classiﬁcation: Regional Park Acres: 100 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Shade shelter with picnic tables and BBQ, various picnic tables, 20 horseshoe pits, 2 half basketball courts, 2-5 tot lot and 5-12 play area separated by a walk. Also open space, and lighted parking lot. A city-owned skate park is on the site. Conditions Overall good condition. Some trees are new, most are fully grown. Play areas are current. Observations/ Play equipment looks Comments: interesting and popular with children. Some picnic tables and new trees are located in a DG area. An evergreen wind break protects this area from gusts. Restroom looks dated. Ball diamond next to the park belongs to the school. Recommendations: Routine maintenance.

AREA 1

III-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

LAKE ISABELLA RECREATION AREA

Classification: Regional Recreation Area Acres: 11,217 lake surface Status: Recreational areas around the lake are federally owned, but the County patrols and maintains the waterways. Existing Facilities Camping, fishing, golf, hiking, motocross driving, photography, snow skiing, boating, sailing, water skiing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, fishing; and whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing on the Kern River.

AREA 1

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-9 chapter three

CIRCLE PARK

Classiﬁcation: Pocket Park Acres: 1 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic tables, benches, lighting and no structures. Conditions Observations/ Small green space in the Comments: center of a commercial area. A sequoia stump slice is exhibited in the park. A computerized information kiosk is in the park. Recommendations: Routine maintenance

AREA 1

III-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

LAKE ISABELLA PARK AND LINDA KISSACK BALL FIELD

Classification: Community Park Acres: 40 Status: Partially developed Existing Facilities Restroom bldg., 2-5 tot play equip., swings, lighted basketball court, lighted & fenced horseshoe pits with bleachers, 2-3 picnic tables on concrete pads. Mature trees throughout. Security lighting. Linda Kissack ballfield is located adjacent to park. Has one softball field with backstop. Conditions Play equipment and surfacing appear recently replaced. Restroom bldg. appears new as does parking lot. Turf area needs improvement. Kissack field is well maintained. Observations/ Military tanks and Comments: equipment are on display at entrance of park. Recommendations: Install a restroom for Linda Kissack ball field

AREA 1

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-11 chapter three

MOUNTAIN MESA PARK

Classification: Neighborhood Park Acres: 5.2 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic tables with BBQ, basketball full court, 2-5 yr old tot lot with swings, baseball field. Conditions The turf is well maintained, and there are several mature trees. Observations/ There is an unused area Comments: where another tot lot used to be. The outfield fence is low against the residential backyards. The basketball nets are missing. The existing tot lot includes sand and rubberized surfacing. Recommendations: Routine maintenance

AREA 1

III-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

RANDSBURG PARK

Classiﬁcation: Special Facility Acres: 0.2 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Shade shelter with picnic tables, BBQ, restroom building Conditions The picnic area is clean and ﬁts into surroundings. Observations/ The park is located Comments: behind the Desert Museum. Two young trees are located in the park. Museum exhibits have been placed in the park, including two large boulders with holes the size of thumbs, in them. The historical plaque was placed in 1964. Recommendations: Routine maintenance.

AREA 1

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-13 chapter three

RIVERSIDE PARK

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood Park Acres: 5 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Basketball full court, 2-5 tot lot, 5-12 yr old swings, picnic tables and BBQ, restroom building, ﬁshing and amphitheater. Out- door metal swings and monkey bars on site. Conditions Good condition Observations/ This is a very scenic linear Comments: park along the Kern River. Many of the benches are made of solid wood. Cottonwood trees are blowing much cotton at this time of year. The full basketball court is a little short of regulation size. There are no barriers to the river from the park. Recommendations: Remove outdated play equipment. Regular routine maintenance.

AREA 1

III-14 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

SCODIE PARK

Classification: Neighborhood Park Acres: 4 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Baseball field, restroom building, shade shelter, picnic tables and BBQ, basketball half court, tot lot and equipment storage building. Conditions Mature trees and turf present, with some brown patches. Shade shelter is very dated. Water is ponding on the basketball court and the net is missing. The tot lot is in good condition with both sand and rubberized surface. The restroom building is very simple. The ball field consists of dirt and lacks bases. Observations/ Could use sprucing up. Comments: Pretty sparse. Recommendations: Needs refurbishment and renovation

AREA 1

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-15 chapter three

WOFFORD HEIGHTS PARK

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood Park Acres: 7 Status: Minimally Developed Existing Facilities Picnic tables and BBQ, 2-5 yr old tot lot, equipment shed, 40 sq ft multipurpose concrete slab (formerly used for basketball), deep pit BBQ, portable restroom. Conditions The park is comprised of turf with mature, trees providing shade throughout. A basketball post and backboard are present, but no net. The building likely used to function as a restroom but has fallen into disrepair, and may now be used to store equipment. Open space makes up 4.5 acres of the park. Observations/ Poorly maintained. Looks Comments: almost abandoned but play equipment is fairly new. Recommendations: Needs refurbishment and renovation.

AREA 1

III-16 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

INYOKERN SENIOR CENTER AND PARK

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Building has 2 meeting rooms and library and pool room. Full kitchen and restrooms. Outdoor facilities include restroom building, shade shelter with picnic tables and BBQ, 1 lighted basketball court, 2-5 tot lot, and 5-12 swings, and security lighting. Conditions: Building is in good condition. Furnishings are up to date and the landscaping is attractive except for outdated swings on sandlot. Observations/ Programs include food Comments: distribution for seniors. Other activities include card games and sewing. The Desert Senior Club is open 8am to 4:30pm. The seniors we met appeared happy at the Center. Recommendations: Replace outdated swings and surfacing.

AREA 1

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-17 chapter three

KERN RIVER VALLEY VETERANS/SENIOR CENTER

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities 4 meeting rooms with 1 smaller room, 2 kitchens, and 4 restrooms. The meeting rooms are dividable. The rooms include 2 veterans’ halls and 2 community rooms. Conditions Kept in very good condition. Attractive landscaping around a ﬂagpole with a plaque dedicated in 2004. Observations/ Stucco building with Comments: wood wing. Many programs are run from this location. The parking lot behind the building is also used as a helicopter pad. Recommendations: Routine maintenance

AREA 1

III-18 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

ED OAKLEY MEMORIAL HALL & PARK

Classiﬁcation: Building & Mini Park Acres: 1.7 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Building, 2-5 tot lot, deep pit BBQ, basketball court, and fenced area behind building. Conditions Tot lot in good condition Observations/ Area is nondescript, no Comments: landscaping or shade. Recommendations: Provide shade and landscaping.

AREA 1

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-19 chapter three

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AREA 1

III-20 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

RAND COMMUNITY BUILDING (JOHANNESBURG)

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Community building includes a seating area and large room with a divider, and kitchenette. Two shade shelters with picnic tables and BBQ are located outside. Conditions Condition is rustic and bare, minimally furnished. Observations/ The site furnishings are Comments: located on concrete slab. Two portable restrooms with wood slat screening are available on the premises. The area looks stark and uninviting. The landscaping around the building is minimal. Recommendations: Routine maintenance of signs, picnic areas and resurface roads. Upgrade restooms.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-21 chapter three

Area 2- South Kern County (Frazier AREA 2- SOUTH KERN COUNTY (FRAZIER PARK TO BORON) Park to Boron) Regional Parks This southern portion of the county NAME SIZE LOCATION stretches from Ventura County to the Tehachapi Mountain Park 490 Tehachapi west, San Bernardino County to the Local/Neighborhood Parks east, and Los Angeles County along Boron Park 10 Boron of its southern edge. The western half Frazier Mountain Park 27 Frazier Park of this area encompasses Frazier Park Mojave East Park 8 Mojave mountain communities and Tehachapi, Mojave West Ball Park 10 Mojave while the eastern half is occupied by North Edwards Park 5 North Edwards Rosamond Park 10 Rosamond desert communities such as Mojave, California City, Rosamond, North Ed- Public Buildings wards and Boron. It is served by one NAME LOCATION CAPACITY regional park, six local/neighborhood Boron Recreation Bldg Boron 268 parks, and seven public buildings. Frazier Park Recreation Bldg. Frazier Park 373 Altogether this section of the park Hummel Hall Rosamond 400 system encompasses 560 acres of park Mojave Recreation Bldg. Mojave 155 Mojave Veterans and Seniors Bldg. Mojave 495 land. Rosamond Recreation Bldg. Rosamond 219 Tehachapi Veterans Memorial Bldg. Tehachapi 255

III-22 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN Delano Kernville China Lake Naval Weapons Air Station Kern County McFarland Wofford Area 5 Heights Parks Master Plan Lake Isabella Onyx Kern County, California WASCO Mountain Inyokern Ridgecrest MCFARLAND Mesa Weldon RECREATION RECREATION AND Lake AND PARK PARK DISTRICT Isabella Squirrel Kern County Facilities CHINA DISTRICT Mountian LAKE ACRES Wasco Valley County Facility Area 3 County Building

SHAFTER RECREATION SEQUOIA Regional Park AND PARK DISTRICT NATIONAL FOREST Shafter Other Jurisdiction Facilities Oildale Buttonwillow NORTH OF THE RIVER Area 1 City or Park District Facility RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT RED ROCK Park, Open Space & Greenway CANYON Rosedale STATE PARK Publicly Owned Facility Bakersfield State Park

Lamont National Forest 58

Valley Park Districts Acres Weedpatch Keene Subject Area Dustin Arvin Other Subject Area Acres Tehachapi Veterans California City Memorial Building Bear Valley Tomo Kahni City Limits Area 5 Meadowbrook Springs Park Central State Historic Park Balsitis Central BEAR MT RECREATION Golden Park Park 99 AND PARK DISTRICT Hills Park Other County West Dye Natatorium Mojave Veterans Stallion & Seniors Building Springs Brite Park Morris Interstate/Highway Subarea Lake Park North METTLER Mojave Edwards Major Road Tehachapi East Park 5 Mountain Mojave West North Park Park Ballfield Edwards Park Railroad Mojave Boron Park TEHACHAPI VALLEY RECREATION Recreation Water Feature AND PARK DISTRICT Building Mojave Boron Recreation Building Westside Open Mountian Park Space Edwards AFB Fort Tejon Park Rosamond Park State Historic Park Rosamond Pine Mill Potrero Park ROSAMOND COMMUNITY Mountian Recreation Building

SERVICE DISTRICT Bernardino San County Club Frazier Mountain Park Lebec Hummel Hall Frazier Park Recreation Building ARTHUR B. RIPLEY 2 DESERT WOODLAND HUNGRY VALLEY STATE ANTELOPE VALLEY CA VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA POPPY PRESERVE Ventura County 02040Miles

SADDLE ANGELES BUTTE Area 2: NATIONAL FOREST South Kern County LOS PADRES Los Angeles County 1:530,000 NATIONAL FOREST March 2009 | Data Sources: Miles Kern County GIS, Calif. Spatial 0105 Data Library, and ESRI USA 2006 existing parks and recreation system

TEHACHAPI MOUNTAIN PARK

Classiﬁcation: Regional Park with campground Acres: 490 Status: Partially developed Existing Facilities A typical individual campsite includes picnic table, water source, and BBQ. Site also includes lighting, group campsite, youth camp, underground BBQ pit area, pit toilets. Conditions Good condition. Observations/ Campsites are well Comments: spaced apart, creating privacy, yet maintaining a feeling of safety. The natural beauty of the large trees at 6,000 ft elevation, is awe inspiring. An extensive system of trails, as well as nature trails, is available for hiking. Toilet buildings look new. County in the process of removing unhealthy trees. Recommendations: Foot bridges and picnic tables need upgrading. Water system needs upgrading to replace the springs as the water source.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-23 chapter three

BORON PARK & RECREATION BLDG.

Classiﬁcation: Community Park Acres: 10 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 ballﬁelds with dugouts and bleachers, concession stand, announcing stand, concrete multipurpose pad, 13 horseshoe pits with bleachers, basketball court, 2 shade shelters, picnic tables and BBQ, 2-5 tot lot, 5-12 play equipment (swings), restroom building, golf driving range, tennis backboard with lights, recreation building. Conditions fair to good Observations/ Multipurpose concrete Comments: pad used as a stage during festivals. Park was well used during visit. Building Recreation building was not open during visit. The outside condition of the building is fair. Recommendations: Routine maintenance. More aggressive attention to turf areas plagued with squirrel burrows. Repair cracks in concrete pads of stage area.

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III-24 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

FRAZIER MOUNTAIN PARK

Classification: Community Park Acres: 27 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Pond, recreation building, restroom building, tetherball pole, ceremonial stone circle, war memorial, 2-5 yr old and 5-12 yr old play equipment, lighted basketball court, 2 ball fields (one with bleachers and dugouts), covered picnic area, skate park, horseshoe pits Conditions Overall condition of park is very good. The roof of the main building (recreation building) needs some repair. The turf on the ball fields needs some repair. Observations/ The oaks gracing this Comments: park give it a majestic feel. People were using the pond to fish. The skate park has movable components. There is some outdated play equipment still on site. Recommendations: Repair roof on rec building. Number of meeting rooms inadequate.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-25 chapter three

MOJAVE EAST PARK

Classification: Neighborhood Park and Recreation Bldg. (See page 31 for Veterans/ Senior Bldg.) Acres: 8 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Little League baseball diamond with lights and bleachers, concession stand, tennis backboard with lights, horseshoe pit, shuffleboard court, group picnic shelter, picnic tables on concrete slabs, restroom bldg, 2-5 play area, 5-12 play area, 2 lighted basketball courts. Conditions Recreation bldg has a small meeting room with kitchenette, an office and restrooms. Observations/ Overall, park is in good Comments: condition. The roof of the restroom looks worn. Play equipment is in good shape. Recommendations: Mature trees are present. The park is adjacent to a high school. Parts of the park need some attention.

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III-26 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

MOJAVE WEST PARK BALLFIELD

Classification: Park with open space Acres: 10 Status: Partially developed, partially left in open space Existing Facilities 1 baseball field with bleachers, parking, open space. Conditions fair Observations/ Field is also used for Comments: softball. Outfield turf looks somewhat dry. Ball field is way off the beaten track. No other amenities nearby Recommendations: Add some seating and picnic facilities.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-27 chapter three

NORTH EDWARDS PARK

Classification: Neighborhood Park Acres: 5 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Softball field with players’ benches and bleachers, picnic tables and BBQ, restroom building, 2-5 tot lot and swings, sand area with spring riders (2-5 yr old play equipment), enclosed by chain link fence. Conditions Park is in good condition and neatly maintained. Observations/ The softball field is void Comments: of turf except for some weeds. Recommendations: Re surface the softball field and maintenance on a routine basis

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III-28 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

ROSAMOND PARK

Classification: Community Park Acres: 10 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Recreation Center w/ meeting rooms; 2-5 tot lot and 5-12 play area with swings, 2 lighted full basketball courts, 2 baseball fields (1 lighted, with bleachers, dugouts and scoreboard), 2 restroom buildings Conditions Mature trees that provide shade. Park is showing a little age with some bare spots in turf, and dated site furnishings such as the picnic tables. There is a crack in the concrete of the basketball court. Overall, the park is a pleasing amenity. Ball fields are very well kept. Observations/ Park is adjacent to an Comments: elementary school. Recommendations: Reseed some areas of the turf. Update the picnic tables. Remove outdoor play equipment and install new swings with fall zone surfacing. Upgrade the restrooms.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-29 chapter three

HUMMEL HALL

Classiﬁcation: Senior Center Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 meeting rooms with portable wall, 2 kitchens, restrooms, vending machine. Capacity is 101 people. Conditions Good condition Observations/ Lunch program for seniors Comments: serving at least 40 people. Bingo is played in facility. Recommendations: See Chapter 6 for recommendations regarding County-owned buildings.

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III-30 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

MOJAVE VETERANS AND SENIORS BUILDING

Classiﬁcation: Veterans and Seniors Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Three meeting rooms, kitchen, restrooms. Conditions Observations/ The meeting rooms Comments: seat 300+, 100+ and 40 people, respectively. Recommendations: See Chapter 6 for recommendations regarding County-owned buildings.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-31 chapter three

ROSAMOND RECREATION BUILDING OUTER PREMISES OF PARK

Classiﬁcation: Recreation buildings Status: Developed Existing Facilities Open room, kitchen, 2 restrooms. Used for weddings and various social functions. Space is leased to veterans and Girl Scouts. Conditions The building is in fair condition and the grounds are well maintained. Observations/ Building and grounds are Comments: showing their age. Recommendations: Building needs some refurbishment and modernization. See Chapter 6 for recommendations regarding County-owned buildings.

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III-32 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

TEHACHAPI VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

Classiﬁcation: Veterans building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Meeting room and restrooms. Conditions Well kept building and grounds. Observations/ The building is Legion Comments: Post 221, and houses the Department of Motor Vehicles, the public health ofﬁce, and the Women, Infants and Children program. The building inspector is located next door. Recommendations: See Chapter 6 for recommendations regarding County-owned buildings.

AREA 2

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-33 chapter three

Area 3- Greater Bakersfield AREA 3- GREATER BAKERSFIELD Located in the southern portion of the Regional Parks San Joaquin Valley, this is the most NAME ACRES LOCATION heavily populated area in Kern County. Kern River County Park 1445 Bakersfield It features an extensive part of the Camp Okihi 15 Bakersfield Kern County park system, including Hart Memorial Park 370 Bakersfield two regional parks, 13 local/neighbor- Kern River Campground & Park 28 Bakersfield Kern River Group Picnic Area 10 Bakersfield hood parks (not including a 14tth park Lake Ming 205 Bakersfield that remains undeveloped), two golf Kern River Golf Course Bakersfield courses, and seven public buildings. Metropolitan Rec. Center/Stramler Park 107 Bakersfield One of the regional parks, Kern River Local/Neighborhood Parks County Park, is actually several parks Belle Terrace Park 19.8 Bakersfield in one, including Hart Memorial Park, Casa Loma Park 9 Bakersfield which is considered by many to be Circle Park .1 Bakersfield the heart of the County park system. College Park 17 Bakersfield Altogether this section of the County Greenfield Park 5 Greenfield Heritage Park 18 Bakersfield park system encompasses 1718 acres Kern Delta Park (undeveloped) 11.75 Bakersfield of park land. Lamont Park 8 Lamont Panorama Park 24 Bakersfield Pioneer Park 14 Bakersfield Potomac Park 5 Bakersfield Rexland Acres 4 Bakersfield Victoria Araujo Park 3 Bakersfield Virginia Avenue Park 9.5 Bakersfield Wilkins Park 2.6 Bakersfield James C. Haggerty North Kern Golf Course Shafter

Public Buildings NAME LOCATION CAPACITY Ben Austin Senior Center Bakersfield 279 California Avenue Veterans Memorial Bldg. Bakersfield 320 East Bakersfield Veterans Building/Senior Center E. Bakersfield 575 East Niles Senior Center Bakersfield 300 Kern County Veterans Memorial Bldg. So. Bakersfield 625 North of the River Veterans Memorial Bldg. Oildale 966 Shafter Veterans Memorial Hall Bakersfield 845

III-34 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN Richgrove LA C

Delano 155

155 Wo Area 5 McFarland

WASCO RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT MCFARLAND RECREATION 5 Lake I AND PARK DISTRICT

Wasco SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST 43 99

r i ve ern R 4 K NORTH OF THE RIVER SHAFTER RECREATION RECREATION AND AND PARK DISTRICT PARK DISTRICT 178

Shafter Kern River

North Hi hland Park County Park Mc Cray Park North Meadows Park A B D E Sears Park Area 1 North Beardley Park Oildale Standard Park C F G Madison ro e Park Fruit ale 18 asmussen Center Buttonwillow Norris Park 3 Bakersfield Solera ardens Oli er Park 6 ni ersity Park BUTTONWILLOW lmondale Park West ast 58 Rosedale ieriew Park 11 14 RECREATION merald 22 North osedale Park San Lauren eerson Siemon Co e Park Park oshua Park 5 Park AND PARK Beach Park Weill Parks reenacres Central Park DISTRICT era Park Park okuts Park 21 17 Westdale Centennial Pla a The Park t i er Walk Park Monda i Kern i er astro Park 7 Windsor Park Liberty Park Parkway Park 20 16 Park MLK Park 8 12 Bill Park reens Park Centennial Lowell Park uailwood Park Saunders i er Oaks Park Kroll Park Beale Park Deer Peak Park mberton Parks Patriots Wayside Kern River County Park Ha in Oaks Pin Oaks Park Wilson Park 1 iver and arden Parks Westwold Park Park 19 2 TULE n R Castle Park 58 A Hart Memorial Park r Cor allis Park Plan Park ELK e Campus K Windermere Te is Parks N S B Camp Okihi Park Park rissom Park Stiern Park Tupman reystone Challen er C Kern County Soccer Park Park Wilderness Park 13 WESTSIDE Park Seasons Tradewinds Park Coral Park ranite Pointe Park D Lake Ming RECREATION Keys Park Stone Lamont Sil er Creek Park Creek 15 E Campground AND PARK DISTRICT 119 Weston Park 10 Park Bear Mountain 9 F Group Picnic Area Park

Weedpatch Park G Kern River Golf Course Keene Dustin Weedpatch Kern County Facilities Acres 99 alley Acres 1 Belle Terrace Park 119 Area 2 Casa Loma Park Arvin 3 College Park City Bear Valley Springs 4 James C. Haggerty North Kern - 5 Heritage Park 5 6 Panorama Park Golden aft Taft BEAR MT RECREATION Meadowbrook Park AND PARK DISTRICT 7 Pioneer Park 33 8 Virginia Avenue Park Brite Lake 9 Lamont Park Subarea Stallion 10 Greenfield Park Mettler 5 Springs 11 Circle Park 1 Maricopa 12 Potomac Park 13 Rexland Park 14 Wilkins Park 15 BenArea Austin 2 Senior Center 16 California Avenue Veterans -- 17 East Niles Senior Center 18 North of the River Veterans Area 2 19 Kern Co. Veterans Memorial --- 20 Shafter Veterans Memorial Hall 1:330,000 21 Richard Prado Senior Center Miles 5 22 Metropolitan Recreation Center/ 0105 LOS PADRES NF

Kern County Kern County Facilities Parks Master Plan Regional Park County Facility County Building Kern County, California Other Jurisdiction Facilities National Forest Other County

Kern River County Park Facilities Park Districts Interstate/Highway City or Park District Facility Subject Area Major Road 3 Park, Open Space & Greenway Publicly Owned Facility Other Subject Area Railroad State Park City Limits Water Feature

March 2009 | Data Sources: 02040Miles Kern County GIS, Calif. Spatial Area 3: Greater Bakersfield Data Library, and ESRI USA 2006 BURBANK ST

4

SHAFTER RECREATION Kern County AND PARK DISTRICT NORTH OF THE RIVER SEQUOIA Parks Master Plan RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT NATIONAL FOREST

ZERKER RD Kern County, California JAMES RD r Shafter 99 ive Area 5 65 R n CHERRY AV r Kern County Facilities North Highland Park e A Kern County K SEVENTH STANDARD RD Mc Cray Park B River Park County Facility North Meadows Park D E SANTA FE WY Sears Park F County Building North Beardley Park Oildale Standard Park C G

KRATZMEYER RD Madison Fruitvale Regional Park Grove Park Rasmussen Center Norris Park 18 3 178 Oliver Park 6 Solera Gardens Other Jurisdiction Facilities Almondale Park University Park Area 1 West & East Siemon NORD AV Riverview Park 11 Kern River County Park Facilities 14 22 Park Rosedale North Rosedale Park Emerald San Lauren Jefferson City or Park District Facility Cove Park Joshua & Kern River County Park NORTH OF THE RIVER Park Weill Parks Park 5 RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT Beach Park A Hart Memorial Park Park, Open Space & Greenway Greenacres Central Park 21 Park Yokuts Park 17 B Camp Okihi Aera Park Westdale Centennial Plaza C Kern County Soccer Park Publicly Owned Facility The Park At River Walk Park Mondavi Kern River Jastro Park 16 20 7 D Lake Ming Windsor Park Liberty Park Parkway Park 8 State Park Park MLK Park 12 E Campground er Centennial Bill Park Greens Park iv Quailwood, Lowell Park National Forest R Park Saunders BRUNDAGE LN F Group Picnic Area

MORNING DR River Oaks Park rn COMANCHEDR Ke Kroll & Park Beale Park S EDISON RD Amberton Patriots 1 G Kern River Golf Course Park Districts Deer Peak Park Wayside Haggin Oaks, Pin Oaks, Parks Park Wilson EDISON HWY Park Subject Area and Garden Parks Westwold Park Park 19 2 Castle Park Bakersfield Tevis Planz Park MULLER RD Other Subject Area Park Corvallis Park 58 Campus WHITE LN City Limits Windermere Parks N&S 5 Park Grissom Park Stiern Park HERMOSA RD Other County Greystone Challenger 13 PANAMA LN Park Wilderness Park E PANAMA LN Interstate/Highway Park Seasons Major Road Tradewinds Coral Park Granite Pointe Park Park Keys Park BEAR MT RECREATION 15 S FAIRFAXRD Lamont Railroad Stone 10 AND PARK DISTRICT Silver Creek Park Creek MALAGA RD 119 TAFT H WY Bear PANAMA RD Water Feature Weston Park Park Mountain Riverside Park 15 5 Park 9 RD ROCKPILE Wofford Height s Park Scodie P BUENARD VISTA DI GIORGIO RD

65 Kern RiverMtn ValleyMe s a P ar k 99 st Hills Park Vet erans/S eni or C en ter

S ENOS LN

Kern County Facilities SST H Area 3

ASHE RD

STINE RD

WIBLE RD

Buena Vista Aquatic HOUGHTON RD COTTONWOOD RD

S UNION AV

GOSFORD RD 1Recreation Belle Terrace Area Park 15 Ben Austin Senior CenterRDOLD RIVER Weedpatch Park BUENA VISTA BLVD 2 Casa Loma Park 16 California Avenue Veterans Weedpatch SHAFTER RD 3 CollegeLake Park Memorial Building SUNSET BLVD 4 JamesWe bb C. Haggerty North 17 East Niles Senior Center Kern Golf Course * 18 North of the River Veterans Arvin Kovacevich Park 5 Heritage Park Memorial Building 23 6 Panorama Park 19 Kern Co. Veterans Memorial Smothermon Park 24 7Area Pioneer 4 ParkPIERI RD Building SYCAMORE RD LO S P A DRE S NF 8 Virginia Avenue Park 20 Shafter Veterans Memorial Hall 01020Miles 9 Lamont Park 21 RichardMILLUX Prado RD Senior Center MILLUX RD 10 Greenfield Park 22 Metropolitan Recreation

11 Circle ParkHILL RD Center/Stramler Park City of Bakersfield 12 Potomac Park 23 DiGiorgio Park 1:150,000 ADOBE RD 13 Rexland Park 24 DiGiorgio Recreation Building Subarea 5B March 2009 | Data Sources: Miles 14 Wilkins Park * North of map extent Kern County GIS, Calif. Spatial 052.5 HERRING RD Data Library, and ESRI USA 2006 existing parks and recreation system

KERN RIVER COUNTY PARK (KRCP)

Classiﬁcation: Retreat location/Camping area (rentable) Acres: 1445 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Group picnic area, 2 group camping areas, (100 people ea.) meeting room with kitchen, riverview platform with ﬁrepit, BBQs, groundskeeper residence, restroom building Conditions The meeting room and kitchen are dated. The grounds are well kept. Observations/ The area is used by Comments: Boy Scouts and others, and weddings are held here. The County needs assistance to determine how to advertise use of the space. Recommendations: Most restrooms need replacement. Play equipment for 5-12 yr.-olds need to be installed. (See individual park sites for other recommendations)

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-35 chapter three

CAMP OKIHI (KRCP)

Classiﬁcation: Retreat location/Camping area (rentable) Acres: 15 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Group picnic area, 2 group camping areas, (100 people ea.) meeting room with kitchen, riverview platform with ﬁrepit, BBQs, groundskeeper residence, restroom building Conditions The meeting room and kitchen are dated. The grounds are well kept. Observations/ The area is used by Comments: Boy Scouts and others, and weddings are held here. The County needs assistance to determine how to advertise use of the space. Recommendations: Upgrade meeting/ kitchen facilities

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III-36 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

HART MEMORIAL PARK (KRCP)

Classification: Regional park Acres: 370 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Group picnic area with stage and cooking area, individual picnic tables with BBQ, play equipment for 5-12 yr olds, 2-5 yr olds tot lot, restroom buildings, equestrian trails, bike trails, ranger station, lake with fishing, boating and swimming and boat rentals, ball backstop, archery range. Conditions The play equipment (swings) are dated. Observations/ The snack bar is dated. Comments: The entry monument is lacking a sign to identify the park. This is the oldest park in Bakersfield. Some amenities have been updated and others not. Recommendations: The county needs to do a thorough evaluation of the park and make upgrades as needed. First replace outdated play equipment. Take steps to maintain historic elements of the park.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-37 chapter three

KERN RIVER CAMPGROUND (KRCP) AND DAY USE AREA

Classiﬁcation: Community Park and Campground Acres: 28 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Campsites with picnic tables and BBQs, 2 + restroom buildings, showers, portable toilets, 2-5 yr olds tot lot Conditions Natural setting with many trees and RV spaces along riverbank. Well maintained. Observations/ The scenic campsites Comments: are located along the Kern River. Mature trees provide shade. The turf is in good condition. Recommendations: Routine maintenance. Picnic area has outdated swings and play equipment that needs to be replaced.

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III-38 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

KERN RIVER GROUP PICNIC AREA (KRCP)

Classiﬁcation: Community Park Acres: 10 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic tables (open air), 1 covered picnic area, deep BBQ pits, 2 restroom buildings, 2 concession buildings, covered stage, ball ﬁeld backstop, 6 horseshoe pits, 2 half basketball courts (lighted), storage shed with garages Conditions The play equipment (slide and swings) are dated. Basketball courts are missing backboards and nets. Observations/ Poles that can be used Comments: with a volleyball net are available. The group picnic area includes security lighting. Area is designed for large scale gatherings and can accommodate food service and concessions. Recommendations: Outdated swings and slides should be replaced with soft fall surface. Upgrade restroom facility.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-39 chapter three

LAKE MING (KRCP)

Classiﬁcation: Regional Park Acres: 205 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Boat ramps, picnic area, play equipment (swings), 2-5 yr old tot lot equipment, restroom building Conditions The play equipment (swings) are dated. Observations/ Lake is used by water Comments: skiers and others. Minimal amenities. Line banks of lake, trees, restrooms, picnic tables and play equipment. Recommendations: Replace outdated swings and play equipment and soft fall surfacing. Shade structure in marina should be developed as a possible revenue-generating facility.

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III-40 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

KERN RIVER GOLF COURSE (KRCP)

Classiﬁcation: Golf Course Status: Developed Existing Facilities 18-holes, driving range, putting green. Conditions The turf appears to be in very good condition and the grounds are well landscaped and kept. Observations/ A pro shop and coffee Comments: shop are located in the building. A caretaker house is also found on the grounds. Recommendations: None

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-41 chapter three

METROPOLITAN RECREATION CENTER

STRAMLER PARK AND SAM LYNN BALLPARK

Classiﬁcation: Regional park Acres: 107 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Sam Lynn Ball Park, Junior Baseball Associa- tion Complex, 2 regulation softball diamonds with lights, bleachers, concession stand, batting cages, group picnic area, arena/open space, tot lot, department maintenance shop area, BMX track, museum, restrooms Conditions Sam Lynn Ball Park restroom needs maintenance and clean up. Extensive grounds are well maintained. Observations/ Batting cages are leased Comments: out. Arena/open space is used for Scottish Games and other events. Ball Park is leased to private vendor. Recommendations: Refurbish restrooms and concession buildings.

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III-42 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

BELLE TERRACE PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 19.8 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 softball fields with bleachers and dugouts, restroom building. Adja- cent Rick McHale soccer field consists of regulation lighted soccer field. Conditions The chain link fence to the soccer field is cut. The turf area is worn, and there is some lack of drainage by the goal. Observations/ The soccer field is Comments: located in what looks like a detention basin, and is not handicap accessible. There is a ground squirrel population that has burrows throughout the park Recommendations: In order to maintain turf, county needs to deal with ground squirrels

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-43 chapter three

CASA LOMA PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 9 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic shelter, 2-5 yr old tot lot, lighted softball field with dugout and bleachers, restroom building, concession/storage building, lighted basketball court, open turf area for soccer Conditions The concession/storage building needs paint. Squirrel burrows throughout turf. Observations/ Turf area may be too Comments: small for regulation soccer game, with trees imped- ing the playing field. Recommendations: Deal with squirrel problem before upgrading sports fields.

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III-44 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

CIRCLE PARK

Classiﬁcation: Greenspace Acres: 0.1 Status: Developed Existing Facilities None Conditions Good Observations/ Greenspace in middle of Comments: street roundabout Recommendations: None

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-45 chapter three

COLLEGE PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 17 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Open space, picnic tables, restroom building Conditions Turf in the center of the park is worn. Graffiti present. Observations/ Turf and trees make up Comments: the park. The turf in the center is likely worn from informal soccer or other pick up games. Recommendations: Add some amenities to attract families with children and add interesting features. Step up maintenance to discourage graffiti.

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III-46 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

GREENFIELD PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 5 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Shade shelter with picnic table, lighted basketball court, newish 2-5 yr old tot lot, 5-12 yr old play equipment (swings), baseball field, storage building, restroom building Conditions Some graffiti sprayed in many places. Basketball backboards and posts in prime condition. Turf is worn on the ball field. Shade shelter is dated. Evidence of ground squirrels. Observations/ Parking lot needs to be Comments: resurfaced. Recommendations: Replace or renovate outdated swings. Upgrade graffiti removal. Replace picnic shelter and restroom.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-47 chapter three

HERITAGE PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 18 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Shade shelter and picnic tables and BBQ, full basketball court and volleyball court (lighted), soccer field with goals, turf soccer field shared with ball backstop, restroom building, Day Care facility Conditions Some graffiti on the play structures. Observations/ Terrain is undulating. It Comments: is located across street from E. Bakersfield Senior Center. Recommendations: Routine maintenance.

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III-48 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

LAMONT PARK

Classification: Neighborhood Park Acres: 8 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 lighted basketball courts, lighted Little League ball field with bleachers, dugouts, and concession building, restroom building, 2-5 yr old tot lot, 5-12 yr old play equipment. Conditions The 5-12 yr old play equipment (swings) are in disrepair. One hoop is missing from the basketball court. The turf on the baseball field is unlevel and has holes. Observations/ The concession building Comments: is boarded up. The park is on the same premises as the Library and the Human Services Building. There are some areas of water pooling on site. Recommendations: The park needs to be refurbished. There is evidence that the park needs to be maintained and patrolled more heavily.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-49 chapter three

PANORAMA PARK

Classiﬁcation: Community park/linear Acres: 32 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Trail with wooden rail fence and drinking fountains Conditions Young planting in good condition. New asphalt path. Observations/ Use of solar power. Com- Comments: munity groups helped establish and maintain the park. Panorama Park is situated on a bluff above the Kern River, and overlooks Oildale and other parts of Bakersﬁeld. Recommendations: Routine maintenance

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III-50 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

PIONEER PARK

Classification: Community park Acres: 14 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Fenced in multipurpose field with backstop and goals, 2-5 yr old tot lot, bathroom buildings, softball field with bleachers, 2 lighted basketball courts, picnic tables and BBQ. Conditions Fairly new park but showing signs of wear. Worn turf on multipurpose field. Graffiti on restroom and slides. New looking tot lot. Observations/ Park shows evidence of Comments: graffiti and vandalism also turf has animal burrows throughout. Recommendations: Step up maintenance to discourage graffiti. Take steps to solve vermin infestation.

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KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-51 chapter three

POTOMAC PARK

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood Park Acres: 5 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Multi-purpose sports ﬁeld w/backstop and soccer goals, group picnic shelter, BBQ, 2-5 yr. old tot lot, swings, restroom, lighted basketball court, on street parking Conditions fair to good Observations/ facilities are rentable and Comments: reservable Recommendations: Maintain and upgrade on a regular basis

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III-52 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

REXLAND ACRES PARK

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood park Acres: 4.44 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Recreation bldg., basketball court (lighted), restroom, tot lot (2-5 yrs.), picnic tables, BBQs, parking lot Conditions fair Observations/ Facilities rentable and Comments: reservable. Adjacent to school. Recommendations: Park needs refurbishment and updating

AREA 3

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-53 chapter three

VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres 9.5 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 1 regulation size soccer field, 1 smaller soccer field, picnic tables with BBQ, 2 lighted basketball courts, 2-5 yr old tot lot, 5-12 yr old play equipment (swings), baseball field, restroom building Conditions Turf is in good condition. Some swings are missing, and equipment is dated. Basketball nets are torn. Park showing signs of age. Observations/ Larger soccer field can Comments: be divided into practice fields. Recommendations: Refurbish play equipment. Step up maintenance of grounds and buildings and graffiti removal.

AREA 3

III-54 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

WILKINS PARK

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood park Acres 2.6 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Turf and trees Conditions Entire park consists of turf with drainage ditch running length of the park. Observations/ Passive area only. Turf is Comments: sloped throughout. Recommendations: Provide seating only

AREA 3

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-55 chapter three

JAMES C. HAGGERTY NORTH KERN GOLF COURSE

Classiﬁcation: Golf course Status: Developed Existing Facilities Two putting greens, pro shop with cafe, driving range and teaching area, residence and maintenance building, cart garage Conditions Building looks dated and landscaping is sparse. Golf course turf is in good condition, though a little dry in areas. Observations/ Located in remote area of Comments: Kern County near two cor- rectional facilities. Vendor is responsible for keeping attendance records. Recommendations: None

AREA 3

III-56 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

BEN AUSTIN SENIOR CENTER- GREENFIELD

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Dining room and kitchen, “living room” with piano, recreation room with pool tables, ofﬁces, restrooms, horse shoe pits and benches outside. Conditions Neat and clean appearance, inside and outside. Observations/ The building is used Comments: for bingo, exercise class, senior meals, as a cooling center, and for wedding receptions and Quinciñeras. Recommendations: Routine maintenance Note: Bldg. is located at the undeveloped Kern Delta Park site. Future development is planned.

AREA 3

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-57 chapter three

CALIFORNIA AVENUE VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Brick and concrete building Conditions Neat-looking appearance from the outside Observations/ Facility is adjacent to Comments: Martin Luther King, Jr Senior Center (City of Bakersﬁeld) Recommendations: None

AREA 3

III-58 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

EAST BAKERSFIELD VETERANS BUILDING/SENIOR CENTER

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Large meeting room with adjacent kitchen, Medium sized room with adjacent kitchen and library, classroom/ meeting room, men and women’s restrooms. Outside structure includes accessible ramp. Conditions Good condition, with people using the facility Observations/ Rotary and other service Comments: organizations use the building. Lunches for seniors are served. Recommendations: See Chapter 6 recommendations.

AREA 3

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-59 chapter three

EAST NILES SENIOR CENTER

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Dining room, living room, games room (with pool tables, card playing and library), restrooms, kitchen. Conditions Clean and well kept, and being used by seniors. Observations/ Entertainment such as Comments: piano playing is offered. Facility used to play bingo and distribute meals. Situ- ated on a bus route. Recommendations: Routine maintenance.

AREA 3

III-60 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

KERN COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING- SOUTH BAKERSFIELD

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Two meeting rooms (one with kitchen), 1 meeting hall, 1 large kitchen, storage room, outdoor deep pit BBQ Conditions The building has a pleasing design with indoor and outdoor spaces, and is well maintained. Observations/ The building is adjacent Comments: to a library, and is on a bus route. The space is used by AA, NA, OA, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Activities done here include square dancing, ballroom dancing, weddings and funerals. Recommendations: Routine maintenance

AREA 3

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-61 chapter three

NORTH OF THE RIVER VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Unknown Conditions Good condition from the outside Observations/ Grounds include a deep Comments: pit BBQ. Mature trees present on property. Across from NOR District park. Recommendations: Routine maintenance

AREA 3

III-62 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

SHAFTER VETERANS MEMORIAL HALL

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Brick one-story building with 1 large meeting room with stage, 1 smaller meeting room, kitchen, restrooms. Outside area with turf, deep pit BBQ, and 1 covered picnic table. Conditions Building in good condition and has been retroﬁtted to be handicap accessible. Observations/ Building is used for Comments: voting, and is Home of America Legion. Nicely kept and neat looking. Recommendations: Routine maintenance

AREA 3

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-63 chapter three

Area 4 – West Kern County AREA 4 – WEST KERN COUNTY This western part of the county, which Regional Parks lies on the border of San Luis Obispo NAME ACRES LOCATION County, is a major oil production Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area 1585 Greater Bakersﬁeld region. It included the valley commu- Local/Neighborhood Parks nities of Buttonwillow, Maricopa and George Blanco Little League Complex 6 Taft Taft among others. This area is served Buttonwillow Park 20 Buttonwillow by one regional park, seven local/ Derby Acres Park 3.8 Derby Acres neighborhood parks, one golf course, Fellows Park 8 Fellows and four public buildings. However, Ford City Park 4.1 Ford City two of these public buildings are A.W. Noon Park 12 Dustin Acres scheduled for demolition. Altogether Valley Acres Park 2 Valley Acres Buena Vista Golf Course Taft this section of the park system encompasses 1655 acres of County park land. Public Buildings With the exception of the regional NAME LOCATION CAPACITY park and the nearby golf course, all of Buttonwillow Recreation Bldg. Buttonwillow 114 the local parks owned and operated Veterans Memorial Bldg. Taft 575 by the County are located within the jurisdictional territory of the Westside Recreation and Park District.

III-64 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN Wasco

Area 5 WASCO RECREATION 5 AND PARK DISTRICT 99

SHAFTER RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT Shafter

BUTTONWILLOW RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT Buttonwillow NORTH OF THE RIVER RECREATION AND Buttonwillow Park PARK DISTRICT Buttonwillow Rosedale Recreation Building 58 Area 3 58 TULE ELK 5 WESTSIDE RECREATION McKittrick Tupman AND PARK DISTRICT Bakersfield

Derby Acres Park Buena Vista Buena Vista Aquatic Derby Golf Course Acres Derby Acres Recreation Recreation Park A.W. Noon Park Area

Valley Acres Park Dustin Acres Lake We bb Valley Valley Acres Fellows Acres Park Veterans Recreation Building Memorial Ford Ford City Park Fellows Building City C George Blanco Little League Complex A SAN LUIS B OBISPO D COUNTY Taft E Taft Heights

Maricopa Maricopa John Burke Park Memorial Park 166

estside Recreati a d ar District Facilities A Taft Community Center B Community Center Park Area C Franklin Field Comple 166 D A Street Park E Skate Escape

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

VENTURA 1:270,000 COUNTY Pine Mountain Miles LOS PADRES Club 0105 NATIONAL FOREST

Kern County Kern County Facilities Parks Master Plan Regional Park County Facility County Building Kern County, California Other Jurisdiction Facilities National Forest Other County

City or Park District Facility Park Districts Interstate/Highway

Park, Open Space & Greenway Subject Area Major Road

4 Publicly Owned Facility Other Subject Area Railroad

State Park City Limits Water Feature

Miles March 2009 | Data Sources: Kern County GIS, 02040 Area 4: West Kern County Calif. Spatial Data Library, and ESRI USA 2006 existing parks and recreation system

BUENA VISTA AQUATIC RECREATION AREA

Classiﬁcation: Regional Recreation area Acres: 1585 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 lakes, 2 Sand Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, 2-5 yr old tot lots, restroom buildings, concession building, picnic area with 2 shelters, boat ramp, fuel station. Conditions The parking lots, tot lots, and picnic shelters are in good condition. Observations/ A large number of trees Comments: shade the parking lots. Some play equipment (though not the tot lots) is dated. The store does not look occupied. A ﬁring range is located across from the lakes. The facility is expansive and capable of holding thousands of visitors at one time. A portion of the park con- tinues to be developed along the lake edge to the west. Recommendations: Renovate and replace outdated slides and swings. Continue to maintain campgrounds and picnic areas on a routine bases.

AREA 4

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-65 chapter three

GEORGE BLANCO LITTLE LEAGUE COMPLEX

Classification: Regional Baseball Com- plex Acres: 6 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 lighted baseball fields with bleachers and dugouts. Two fields have bullpens. Scorekeep- ers building/concession stand, restroom building. Conditions The park looks modern and well kept. The turf is in good condition. Observations/ The park is newly built Comments: and landscaped. One field is regulation size. Recommendations: Maintain on regular basis.

AREA 4

III-66 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

BUTTONWILLOW PARK

Classification: Community park Acres: 36 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 soccer fields, lighted basketball court, 4 horseshoe pits, 2-5 yr old tot lot, 3 shade shelters (2 small, 1 large) with picnic tables and food preparation station, 2 tennis courts, restroom buildings, Little League baseball complex with bleachers, dugouts, scorekeeper building, and bull pen, maintenance yard, and recreation building. Conditions The soccer field is in disrepair with paint peeling from the goals, and a pitted turf and weeds field. The park shows wear. Observations/ The maintenance yard is Comments: not cleaned up. Overall, the park offers many recreation opportunities, and is functional, but lacks curb appeal. Recommendations: Consider upgrading soccer field. Chain link fencing around ball field needs maintenance. Turf areas need refurbishment. Note: A large portion of the park is being transferred to the local recreation district. A new community building and various amenities are planned.

AREA 4

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-67 chapter three

DERBY ACRES PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 3.8 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Shade shelter with picnic tables and BBQ, 4 horseshoe pits, basketball court, play equipment, ball backstop, recreation building Conditions The play equipment is dated, and includes metal swings, teeter totter and slide. The turf has worn away on the ball field. The paint is peeling on the recreation building. Observations/ There is turf in this park in Comments: the shady areas only. Recommendations: Remove or replace metal swings, slide and teeter totter. Install safe fall zone surfacing. Area near play equipment could use some beautification and shade. Recreation building looks in disrepair (scheduled for demolition).

AREA 4

III-68 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

FELLOWS PARK

(COUNTY LEASES LAND FROM CHEVRON)

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 8 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Ball field with bleachers, basketball court, play equipment, shade shelter with food preparation area and tables, 2 horseshoe pits, picnic tables and restroom building Conditions The ball field is sand only, no turf. The bleachers and the play equipment are dated. Observations/ There is some shade in Comments: this park, but little turf, and the turf has some holes in it. The park is well used it appears. Play areas is outdated and not accessible. Recommendations: Replace all play equipment and play area surface. Make ADA accessible. Picnic shelter roof should be repaired or replaced. BBQ’s missing from picnic area. Large hole at base of trees near Basketball court.

AREA 4

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-69 chapter three

FORD CITY PARK

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood park Acres: 4.1 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic tables on concrete pad, 2-5 yr old tot lot and other play equipment, fenced horseshoe pits, storage shed, restroom building. Conditions The play equipment (swings, slide and jungle gym) are dated. The storage shed looks worn. Observations/ There are security lights Comments: throughout the park. No sidewalks run through the park. Recommendations: Replace swings, metal slide, monkey bars and jungle gym. Make surface fall zone safe and ADA accessible.

AREA 4

III-70 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

A.W. NOON PARK (DUSTIN ACRES)

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood Park Acres: 12 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic shelter, 2-5 yr old tot lot, restroom building Conditions The turf and site furnishings are in good condition. Observations/ The park includes mature Comments: palm trees, and forms the entrance to the Buena Vista Golf Course. The park has nice curb appeal, including the entry sign. Recommendations: Routine maintenance and upgrade restrooms.

AREA 4

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-71 chapter three

VALLEY ACRES PARK

Classiﬁcation: Neighborhood park Acres: 2 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic shelter, (2) half basketball courts, 2-5 yr old tot lot, 5-12 yr old play equipment, tether ball court, recreation building Conditions The 5-12 yr old play equipment (swings) is dated. The recreation building is in fair to poor condition. The basketball nets are torn, and the tether ball is missing. Observations/ Unidentiﬁed building Comments: on the property in poor condition. Scheduled for demolition Recommendations: Replace outdated swings and fall zone surfacing.

AREA 4

III-72 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

BUENA VISTA GOLF COURSE

Classiﬁcation: Golf Course Status: Developed Existing Facilities 18-hole course, pro shop and café, cart garage Conditions The building and top of course are in good condition. Observations/ The cart garage is Comments: made of corrugated metal. A sea of green in an agricultural zone. Beautifully kept. Recommendations: None

AREA 4

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-73 chapter three

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AREA 4

III-74 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

TAFT VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING

Classiﬁcation: Building Status: Developed Existing Facilities Brick and stucco building. Lighted basketball court, multipurpose concrete pad. Conditions The building appears to be in good condition but the landscaping is minimal and stark. Observations/ The concrete pad may Comments: be used for roller hockey games. The property includes lots of open space with no trees or green area. An open platform, not surrounded by railing, fulﬁlls no clear purpose. Recommendations: Needs new landscaping and softscape around building with shade.

AREA 4

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-75 chapter three

Area 5 – Valley North of Bakersfield AREA 5 – VALLEY NORTH OF BAKERSFIELD AND SOUTH OF BAKERSFIELD and South of Bakersfield Regional Parks This area encompasses agricultural NAME ACRES LOCATION lands and urban communities that Lake Wollomes 445 Delano lie to the northwest of Bakersfield, as well as communities to the southeast Local/Neighborhood Parks Delano Memorial Park 32 Delano of Bakersfield. Although separated by Lost Hills Park 7 Lost Hills the urban population of Area 3- Great- Public Buildings er Bakersfield, these two halves are NAME LOCATION CAPACITY similar demographically and economi- Lost Hills Recreation Bldg. Lost Hills 139 cally. The larger northern half is served Local/Neighborhood Parks by one regional park, three local parks DiGiorgio Park 16 Arvin and two public buildings. One of these local parks and a public build- Public Buildings ing are expected to be transferred to NAMESUB-AREA 5B – VALLEY SOUTH OF BAKERSFIELD LOCATION CAPACITY DiGiorgio Recreation Bldg. Arvin 135 the control of the City of Delano. The southern half of this area is served by one local park and one public building. Altogether this section of the park system encompasses 506 acres of County park land.

III-76 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN IN S COUNTY TULARE COUNTY

COLONEL ALLENSWORTH Kern County Parks Master Plan Kern County, California

1 C Delano E B D Delano Kern County Facilities Kern National Memorial Park A County Facility Wildlife Refuge Delano V.F.W. 65 Memorial Hall Lake Area 5 Woollomes County Building Browning Regional Park Road Park McFarland McFarland Other Jurisdiction Facilities Lost Park 6 Hills Lost Hills MCFARLAND City or Park District Facility Lost Hills Park RECREATION AND Recreation Westside PARK DISTRICT Park, Open Space & Greenway Building Park Wasco Cormack 99 Park Publicly Owned Facility Baker Park State Park WASCO RECREATION Area 3 National Forest AND PARK DISTRICT SHAFTER RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT New Park Districts Community Mannel Park Park Hudson Park Subject Area NORTH OF THE Rodrigue Shafter RIVER RECREATION Other Subject Area Park AND PARK DISTRICT BUTTONWILLOW 5 City Limits SAN LUIS RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT Oildale OBISPO Other County Buttonwillow COUNTY 58 Interstate/Highway S areaRosedale 5 Bakersfield Major Road 58 58 Railroad WESTSIDE Lamont RECREATION Area 4 Water Feature TULE Weedpatch AND PARK DISTRICT ELK DiGiorgio Kovacevich Keene LOS PADRES McKittrick Tupman Park Park Arvin NATIOINAL FOREST Area Smothermon DiGiorgio Area Park Recreation 99 3 Building Bear Derby Valley 5 Acres City Dela Facilities Valley Springs Acres Dustin A Jefferson Park Acres Subarea B Cesar Chavez Park Fellows 5b Stallion 5b C Cecil Park Ford BEAR MT Springs D Heritage Park City Mettler RECREATION 99 AND PARK DISTRICT E Morningside Park Taft Heights 02040Miles Taft TEHACHAPI VALLEY RECREATION AND Area 5 & Subarea 5b: PARK DISTRICT Maricopa Area 4 Valley North and Valley Mettler 1:375,000 South of Bakersfield

Miles March 2009 | Data Sources: 0105 Kern County GIS, Calif. Spatial Data Library, and ESRI USA 2006 existing parks and recreation system

LAKE WOOLLOMES

Classiﬁcation: Regional park Acres: 445 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Boat launch, caretaker residence, basketball court, 2-5 yr old tot lot, restroom buildings, 2 swing sets, fenced group picnic shelter Conditions Good curb appeal, especially the entry sign Observations/ Amenities look updated Comments: and well kept. Recommendations: Replace restrooms and resurface roads.

AREA 5

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-77 chapter three

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AREA 5

III-78 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

DELANO MEMORIAL PARK

Classification: Community park Acres: 32 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Lighted baseball stadium with bleachers, concession stand and brick dugouts. Softball field, t –ball field (all dirt with backstop), (2) 2-5 yr old tot lots, 5-12 yr old play equipment (incl. swings on sand), group picnic shelters, raised platform/stage, arena with bleachers, large metal storage building, concession buildings, large, lighted restroom. Conditions Group picnic shelter is dated. Some play equipment is unique (caterpillar). Mixture of new and old bleachers in the arena. Observations/ If the County intends Comments: to retain this park, it should be considered for refurbishment and redesign. It has much potential for event use and revenue generation. Recommendations: Older swings need fall zone surfacing beneath. Dirt area surrounded by bleachers not clear what this area is for.

AREA 5

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-79 chapter three

LOST# HILLS PARK

Classification: Neighborhood park Acres: 7 Status: Developed Existing Facilities Picnic tables and deep pit BBQ, shade shelter, restroom building, multipurpose field, 2-5 yr old tot lot, recreation building, concrete pads (10’x10’ and 15’x 20’) presumably for picnic tables but no tables Conditions The building looks unused, and has peeling paint on the façade. The shade shelter is dated. Some of the landscaping is new. Observations/ Some mature pine trees Comments: provide shade. Gingko trees have been planted on the edge of the multipurpose field. The concrete pads are empty. Ground squirrels present Recommendations: Field area needs leveling and new turf. Building should be refurbished. Replace outdoor restroom.

AREA 5

III-80 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

AREA 5

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-81 chapter three

DI# GIORGIO PARK AND RECREATION BUILDING

Classification: Community Park Acres: 16 Status: Developed Existing Facilities 2 lighted basketball courts, large picnic area with covered and uncovered tables, restroom building, 2-5 yr old tot lot, ball field with bleachers, dugouts, 2 –story scorekeepers building, recreation building, aquatic area. Conditions Ball field turf needs repair. Rest of park is in good condition. Observations/ The aquatics facility is in Comments: mid refurbishment. There was some trash in the tot lot. Recommendations: Resilient surface at tot lot needs maintenance. Squirrel burrows a problem. Resurface parking lot.

SUB-AREA 5B

III-82 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

3.3 - KERN COUNTY CAPITAL inventory of all the County park IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND facilities, which also documents the PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN specific inventory differences in these two planning documents. This table is The Kern County Parks and Recreation modeled after a similar list appearing Master Plan was developed after com- in the CIP. pletion of the Kern County Capital Im- provement Plan, completed in 2008. 3.4 PARKS AND FACILITIES The inventory of existing County park PROVIDED BY OTHERS facilities included in both of these two As previously described in Chapter planning documents are in agreement II, there are within Kern County other with just a few minor exceptions. The public agencies at the local level differences are due primarily to the providing both parks and recreation following two factors: services. This includes the following • Changes in the park inventory that seven cities: have taken place since completion • Arvin of the CIP. • Bakersfield • The existing parks inventory in the Parks Master Plan includes • California City both leased and County owned • Delano park land, while the CIP includes • Maricopa only County owned parkland. For • Ridgecrest purposes of the Master Plan, the total park acreage made available • Shafter through the County park system, as well as eight independent park regardless of whether or not it is owned or leased by the County, districts and a community services was a critical factor in the analysis districts: used to develop the Plan. • Techachapi Valley Recreation and In effect, the small differences be- Parks District tween these two inventories simply • North of the River Recreation and reflect the fact they were developed Park District at different times and with slightly • Buttonwillow Recreation and Park District different criteria for defining county • Westside Recreation and Park park land. As a result, the 2008 Kern District County CIP indicates there are a total • McFarland Recreation and Park of 4843.90 acres of County park land District in the inventory while the Parks Master • Shafter Recreation and Park District Land has identified a total of 4702 • Wasco Recreation and Park District acres. The table below is a complete • Bear Mountain Recreation and Park District

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-83 chapter three

• Rosamond Community Services and local sports leagues, providing District recreation programming. Many may The populations served by these have their own sports facilities or on a agencies rely less heavily on the fee-basis have access to County parks County for providing local recreation and facilities. needs. As a result of this diverse network of local public and private non-profit 3.5 RECREATION PROGRAMS organizations in Kern County, there is Introduction a large menu of sport and recreation The County of Kern Parks and Recre- programs for residents to choose ation Department has for many years from. Given the considerable geo- devoted its resources exclusively to graphic area encompassed by Kern the operation and maintenance of its County, however, the extent of sports regional parks and to the local parks and recreation programming available that it maintains in unincorporated locally to residents does vary depend- areas of the County. The Department ing upon the community in which they has not been directly involved in the live. delivery of recreation programs since the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978. Not surprisingly, when compared to However, recreation programming is all other parts of the County, there is available to County residents through a far greater variety of recreational other more local public organiza- programs and services offered in and tions. In Kern County, recreation around the Bakersfield metropolitan programming has been primarily the area. Even in other less populated responsibility of city park and recre- County communities, residents can ation departments and the recreation still find a wide spectrum of recre- and park districts that exist in many ational services provided through areas of the County. Although many their local city recreation and parks of these city park departments and department or parks and recreation park districts will utilize their own local district. It is in these outlying commu- parks and facilities to provide recre- nities, however, especially in unincor- ation programming, they may also porated territories, where program- rely on County park facilities and so ming gaps, if any, are more likely to work in partnership with the County exist. Parks Department for this purpose. What follows is an inventory of rec- There are also a wide variety of pri- reation programs available in each vate non-profit organizations through- of the five geographic sub-areas of out the County, such as the YMCA Kern County. A table for each subarea

III-84 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN TABLE 3 -1 - KERN COUNTY PARKS EXISTING INVENTORY – CIP AND PARKS MASTER PLAN

Community Parks CIP acres Parks Master Plan acres

A.W. Noon 12.00 12.00 Belle Terrace 19.30 19.30 Boron 10.00 10.00 Buttonwillow 36.00 36.00 Casa Loma 9.00 9.00 Ed Oakley Parka 1.70 Frazier Mountain 27.00 27.00 Greenﬁeld 5.00 5.00 Victoria Araujo Park 3.00 3.00 Heritage 18.00 18.00 Inyokern 3.00 3.00 Kern Delta Parkb 11.75 Kernville Circle 1.00 1.00 Lake Isabella 40.00 40.00 Lost Hills 7.00 7.00 Mojave East 8.00 8.00 Mojave West 10.00 10.00 Mountain Mesa 5.20 5.20 North Edwards 5.00 5.00 Pioneer 14.00 14.00 Potomac 5.00 5.00 Randsburg 0.20 0.20 Rexland Acres 4.00 4.00 Riverside 5.00 5.00 Rosamond 10.00 10.00 Scodie 4.00 4.00 Virginia Avenue 9.50 9.50 Wilkins 2.60 2.60 Wofford Heights 7.00 7.00 Total - Community Parks 279.80 293.25 Regional Parks Camp Condorc 160.00 0.00 Kernville Fish Hatchery 14.00 0.00 Buena Vista Aquatic Rec. Area 1,585.00 1,585.00 Greenhorn Mt. 110.00 110.00 LeRoy Jackson 100.00 100.00 Kern River County Park Total 1,445.00 1,445.00 Lake Woollomes 445.00 445.00 Metro Rec. Center 107.00 107.00 Tehachapi Mt. 490.00 490.00 Lake Isabella Rec Area - - Total - Regional Parks 4,456.00 4282 Community Parks Within City or Special District Blanco Little Leagued 6.00 Circle Park (Bakersﬁeld) e 0.10 0.10 College 17.00 17.00 Cormack Park (Wasco)f 6.00 6.00 Delano Memorial 32.00 32.00 Derby Acresg 3.80 DiGiorgio 16.00 16.00 Fellowsh 8.00 Ford City 4.10 4.10 Lamont 8.00 8.00 Panorama 24.00 24.00 Valley Acres 2.00 2.00 Westpark i 5.00 5.00 Subtotal, Community Parks Within City or Special District 108.10 127 Subtotal - Community Parks 279.80 293.25 Subtotal – Community Parks within city or park district 108.10 127 Total – Local Parks 387.90 420.25 Total – Regional Parks 4,456.00 4282 Total Park Acreage 4,843.90 4702.25

aEd Oakley Memorial Building located within a small park that includes recreational facilities bA new park developed after completion of CIP cOwned by Kern County but operated as a Westside RPD facility (not Kern County Parks)under a long term lease.Facility is still with USFS; land exchange has not yet take place dFacility acreage was not included in the CIP because it is leased, not owned, by the Parks Department eCurrently listed as a Kern County park site fPark site has been transferred to the Wasco Park District gFacility acreage was not included in th e CIP because it is leased, not owned, by the Parks Department hFacility acreage was not included in th e CIP because it is leased, not owned, by the Parks Department iOwnership transferred to Rosamond CSD

chapter three KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

catalogs the types of recreation pro- Recreation Programs in Area 1 - Northeast Kern County grams and services that are offered in key communities in each subarea. This UrhT includes both incorporated cities and some census designated areas. This M table inventory shows where recreation programs are being offered, and the types of programs available in these communities, and by their absence also indicates where there may 7rs r6sr TpuyQ t h Ahv Arvhy @v rhy@qphv 7hrihyyTsihyy 7hxrihyy Aihyy Tppr Tr 9h8h Qr s vt6 Trv Q t h T Gr AvryqU v Avr8yhr 9hpr 6 hq8 hs Tvvt6hvp GhxrDhiryyhFr be an insufficient number of readily Svr Whyyr available recreation programs. This is Svqtrp r most likely the case in unincorporated areas of the County such as Frazier Park, Glennville, Lake Isabella, and Findings from upcoming community Lost Hills that do not have a local city workshops, focus groups and other parks department or an active recre- outreach instruments may help to ad- ation and park district to deliver these dress that question. programs. This inventory is derived from organi- Accompanying each table is a list of zational information provided by Kern the primary organizations that are County Parks and Recreation Depart- known to be providing recreation pro- ment and other information obtained grams and services in that subarea. from the Internet. This programs data- For each organization it also identifies base may grow in subsequent phases many of the specific programs that are of the project as additional informa- offered, including programs targeting tion is generated. In areas where different subgroups of the population there now appear to be an insufficient such as youth, adults or seniors. number of recreation programs or even a lack of such programs, ad- Even in those communities where ditional recreation programs and the there are many different recreation organizations providing them may be programs and services offered to resi- identified. dents, it is not known whether the capacity of these programs is sufficient 3.6 PROGRAM PROVIDERS to meet the local demand for these Area 1 – Northeast Kern County services. There may be funding or Lake Isabella/Kern River Valley other constraints in effect that place a • Kern Valley Soccer – Region 294 limit on the number of residents who • Kern River Valley Little League can utilize these recreation programs.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-85 chapter three

• Kern River Valley Youth Center • Martial Arts • Kern River Valley Youth Football • Indian Wells Valley Youth Baseball League • Indian Wells Valley Youth Football • Lake Isabella Horseshoe Club • Over-The-Hill Track Club • Kern River Archers • Ridgecrest Scorpions Soccer Club Ridgecrest – Boys and Girls Teams • High Desert Horseshoe Pithcing- Area 2 – Southeast Kern County Club Boron • The City of Ridgecrest Parks and • Boron Horseshoe Pitching Club Recreation Department California City/Mojave Area Adult Programs • American Youth Soccer Organiza- • Adult Fast Pitch Softball tion Region 789 • Coed and Men’s League Slow • California City Parks and Recre- Pitch Softball ation Department • ZUMBA - Dance Fitness Class • California City Yankees (Baseball • Stroller Strides Fitness for Moms Team) • Martial Arts • Basketball Clinic • Aerobics • Pee Wee Soccer • Senior Services – Recreational • California City Adult Softball Activities • California City Youth Football Youth Programs League • Horseback Riding Lessons/Camps • California City Tiny Tee Ball Team • Tennis Frazier Park • Basketball • America Youth Soccer Organiza- tion Region 382 Recreation Programs in Area 2 - Southeast Kern County • Frazier Mountain Little League

UrhT Rosamond • American Youth Soccer Organiza- M tion Region 827 • Rosamond Community Services District – Parks and Recreation

Urh Division t • Tennis @v rhy@qphv Ahv Arvhy 7hrihyyTsihyy Aihyy Trpvhy)C rur Qvpuv Tr 9h8h Qr s vt6 Trv Q t h Avr8yhr 9hpr 6 hq8 hs Tvvt6hvp 7rs r6sr TpuyQ t h 7hxrihyy Tppr T Gr AvryqU v • Dance (Line Dancing) 7 8hyvs vh • Arts and Crafts 8vHwhr • Yoga Shq Uruhpuhv • Dog Obedience A hvr Qh x • Youth Acting

III-86 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

Recreation Programs in Area 3 - Greater Bakersﬁeld Area • Scuba Diving Certiﬁcation

• Co-ed Basketball Tournament Urh • Rosamond Walkers T • Rosamond Community Services Foundation M • Kids Kamp • Acting Class • Start Smart Baseball • Start Smart Basketball

• Start Smart Sports Development 7rs r6sr TpuyQ t h Ahv Arvhy @v rhy@qphv 7hrihyyTsihyy 7hxrihyy Aihyy Tppr Tr 9h8h Qr s vt6 Trv Q t h T Gr AvryqU v Avr8yhr 9hpr 6 hq8 hs Tvvt6hvp Q rTpuy B rhr • Youth Water Volley Ball 7hxr svryq • Lifeguard Training • Basketball League • Health and Nutrition • Golf Programs • Organized Sports • Special Olympics • Teen Programs • Swim Lessons • City of Bakersfield Parks & Recre- ation Department • Underwater Hockey • Rosamond Little League Adult Programs • Aquatics Classes and Fitness • Rosamond Youth Football • Arts and Leisure Programs Techachapi • Dance Classes • Tehachapi American Youth Soccer Organization Region 479 • Fitness Classes (Aerobics, Boot Camp, Cardio, Tai Chi, Yoga) • Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District • Martial Arts • Barracudas – Recreation Swim • Softball League Team • Sports Lessons • Youth Basketball League • Disc Golf • Tehachapi Little League • Golf • Benz-Soccer/Football • Tennis Area 3 – Greater Bakersfield Youth Programs City of Bakersfield, Oildale, Rosedale • Adaptive Sports (ADA) • Boys & Girls Club of Bakersfield • After School Program • After School Programs • Aquatics –Youth (fitness classes, • Arts and Crafts Classes water polo, swim team) • Computer Classes • Dance Classes • Dance Classes • Day Camps (during school breaks)

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-87 chapter three

• Fitness Classes Other • Sports – Classes and Clinics • Day Care • Basketball • Pre-School • Golf • YMCA of Kern County • Pee Wee Sports • Adult Classes • Soccer • Summer & Vacation Camps • Tennis • Teens • Teen Center • Youth Sports Programs – Basket- ball, Cheerleading, Flag Football, • Youth Academy Indoor Soccer, Soccer, Volleyball Other Programs Other Recreation Program Providers • Community Garden • 4-H Clubs of Kern County • Special Events • Aqua Aces Swim Team • North of the River Recreation & • American Kids Sports Center Park District • American Youth Soccer Organiza- Adult Programs tion Region 359 • Dance Classes • Aqua Aces Swim Club Inc • Team Sports – Baseball, Basketball, • Aquatic Club of Bakersfield Indoor Soccer, Volleyball • Audobon Society All Ages • Bakersfield Alliance Soccer Club • Aquatics Classes • Bakersfield Rifle Club • Arts, Leisure , Special Interest Classes • Bakersfield Swim Club • Performing Arts • Bakersfield Track Club (BTC) • Special Events • Bakersfield Bobby Socks • Sports Recreation Classes – Golf, • Bakersfield Braves Baseball Club Martial Arts, Rock Climbing, Tennis • Bakersfield Brigade Youth Soccer Senior Programs Club Inc • Dance Classes • Bakersfield Girls Soccer League • Fitness Classes • Bakersfield Gunners Soccer Club • Team Sports – Baseball • Bakersfield Gymnastics Company Youth Programs • Bakersfield Heat AAU Girls Basket- • Cheerleading ball Club • Dance Classes • Bakersfield Jack Frost Youth Foot- ball Foundation • Team Sports – Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball • Bakersfield Black Knights Football Club • Tots Sport Classes • Bakersfield Judo Club

III-88 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

• Bakersfield Gunners Soccer Club • Northwest Little League • Bakersfield Organization for • Sierra Club Women’s Soccer • So. Sierra Council Boy Scouts of • Bakersfield Police Activities League America, Bakersfield • Bakersfield Racquet Club (BRC) • Southern Sierra Fat Tire Associa- • Bakersfield Rebels Girls Fastpitch tion (SSFTA) Softball • Southwest Little League • Bakersfield Regional Ballet Lamont • Bakersfield Select Volleyball Club • Bear Mountain Recreation and Park District • Bakersfield Southwest Baseball (Pony League) Area 4 – West Kern County • Bakersfield Track Club Buttonwillow • Bakersfield Yellow Jackets Athletics • Buttonwillow Babe Ruth Baseball • Disc Golf at Hart Park • Buttonwillow Little League • Girl Scouts- Joshua Tree Council, • Buttonwillow Recreation and Park Bakersfield District • Golden Empire Youth Football • Basketball • Junior Baseball Association • Swimming • Kern Community Tennis Associa- • Volleyball tion • Sumer Recreational Program • Kern County Gun Club Taft • Kern County Rugby Club • Kern County Gun Club • Kern County Soccer Foundation • Youth Program • Kern River Volleyball Club (VBC) • West Side Recreation and Park • Kern Wheelmen District • M.A.R.E Riding Center • Operates Camp Condor Recreation Programs in Area 4 - West Kern County

Urh T

M 7hrihyyTsihyy 7hxrihyy Aihyy Tppr 7rs r6sr TpuyQ t h Ahv Arvhy @v rhy@qphv Tr 9h8h Qr s vt6 Trv Q t h T Gr AvryqU v Avr8yhr 9hpr 6 hq8 hs Tvvt6hvp Q rTpuy 7vyy UhsHpFv vpx Hh vph

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-89 chapter three

Adult Services • Track • Arts and Crafts • Volleyball • Community Theater Other • Dance Classes • Special Events • Fitness Classes • West Side Little League • Game Nights Area 5 – North West Kern County • Nutrition Programs (including and South of Bakersﬁeld Meals on Wheels) City of Delano • Sport Tournament Lost Hills Adult and Senior Services City of McFarland • Babe Ruth Baseball • McFarland Recreation and Park District • Basketball • Cheerleading City of Shafter • Police Athletic League • Dance Classes • After School Program • Gymnastics • Baseball • Indoor Sports Clinic • Basketball • Hunting Safety • Boxing • Karate • Volleyball • Pre-School • Shafter Recreation and Park District • Ponytail Softball • Adult Soccer Recreation Programs in Area5 & Subarea 5B - Northwest Kern County and • Adult Softball South of Bakersﬁeld • Aquatics Program Urh T • Youth Basketball • Youth Baseball and Softball M • Youth Soccer Wasco • Wasco Little League • Wasco Recreation and Park District

7rs r6sr TpuyQ t h Ahv Arvhy @v rhy@qphv 7hrihyyTsihyy 7hxrihyy Aihyy Tppr Tr 9h8h Qr s vt6 Trv Q t h T Gr AvryqU v Avr8yhr 9hpr 6 hq8 hs Tvvt6hvp Q rTpuy Adult Programs 6 v • Aerobics 9ryh • Co-ed Softball GCvyy HpAh yhq • Men’s Softball Tuhsr Youth Programs Xhp • Basketball • Girls Softball

III-90 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN existing parks and recreation system

• Instructional Baseball Table 3-2: Program Offerings of Benchmarked County Park Systems • Soccer COUNTY PARK SYSTEM PROGRAMS PROVIDED • Swimming Lessons Fresno County Parks and Recreation None Department • T-Ball Madera County Resource Management Agency None • Volleyball Riverside County Regional Park and Open Cultural Festivals and Community Events, • Wasco Youth Football Space District Environmental Education, Summer Day Camp San Bernardino County Regional Parks Cultural Festivals and Community Events, Subarea5 B – South of Bakersﬁeld Department Environmental Education, Summer Day Camp City of Arvin Tulare County RMA Parks and Recreation Environmental Education, Summer Day Camp • Arvin Little League Branch • Bear Mountain Recreation and Park typically cultural festivals and com- District munity events, environmental educa- • City of Arvin tion/nature programs, and summer

3.7 COMPARABLE COUNTY day camps. None of the five offered Table 3-3: Percentage of ICMA PROGRAMS the type or variety of recreation Counties Providing Program Areas Although the County of Kern Parks programming typically offered by SERVICE % PROVIDING THIS SERVICE more local city parks department or and Recreation Department does Fairs and Festivals 58% not currently provide any recreation special park districts. Environmental Education 55% programs, when compared with Team Sports 32% Other results from the ICMA survey other nearby county park systems Summer Day Camp 29% do show, however, that a significant this may not be an entirely unique Performing Arts 29% number of county park systems Senior Programs 29% situation. For four of the five County do provide recreation programs. ADA Services 29% park systems used as a benchmark Results obtained from 31 counties in Sports Lessons 23% for Kern County parks, this conclu- Arizona, California, Colorado, New Field Trips 23% sion is based on information from a Mexico, Oregon and Washington, Other 19% survey conducted by the International Fitness 16% as summarized in Table 3-3, show City/County Management Associa- Dance 16% the most common program service tion (ICMA) which assessed trends in Before/After School Programs 13% areas offered by county recreation Extended Before/After School 13% parks and recreation services in local providers. governments. Information from the fifth County park system derived from its annual budget for 2008-09 also supports this finding.

Two of these ﬁve county park systems did not offer any recreation programming. The other three offered a limited number of recreation programs;

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | III-91 CHAPTER FOUR

4 park, facility and program needs THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER FOUR park, facility and program needs

THE PURPOSE OF THE NEEDS sized and distilled to identify resi- ASSESSMENT is to identify future dents’ demands and preferences needs for parks and recreation for recreation services. facilities based on the community’s In this context, the Needs Assess- vision for the park and recreation ment examined the role that the system. Interpreting this vision for Department of Parks and Recrea- Kern County Parks and Recreation tion should play in the develop- Department involved multiple tasks. ment, operation, and management For example, existing documents— of the park system and what park including the Kern County Gen- and recreation facilities should be eral Plan, Metropolitan Bakersﬁeld provided in the future. In turn, this General Plan, Kern County Strategic vision provided a foundation for Plan, Kern County Capital Improve- the development of the Parks and ment Plan (2008), and the Kern Re- Recreation Master plan. gional Blueprint—were reviewed to identify past and current directions for parks planning. A preliminary set of issues and proposed remedies Top: Children playing in Inyokern Park were considered by key staff and by the Parks and Recreation Commis- Left: Lamont Park play area sion, who provided comments regarding the strengths, weaknesses, and future opportunities and challenges facing the Kern County Parks and Recreation Department. Finally, the vision was reﬁned through the public involvement process, where community feedback was synthe-

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-1 chapter four

This chapter reviews the key pieces tative cross section of the community, in the Needs Assessment analysis. including various age groups and Top: Gathering at workshop in Mojave. Specifically, this chapter: diverse special interests. Public and staff comments are documented and Middle: Breakout groups at work • Summarizes the public involve- in Frazier Park. ment process and key findings that summarized in this chapter. The key Bottom: Input from Tehachapi Focus Group led to the development of a vision findings from these activities provided summarized on a wall grpahic. and goals for the community; a foundation for the recommenda- • Reviews the potential directions for tions presented in the chapters that the park system; follow. 4.1 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT RESULTS Public Involvement Activities The development of this Master Plan To develop a strong foundation involved significant feedback from for the Park and Recreation Master County residents. This feedback was Plan, MIG solicited feedback from a obtained through a variety of formats: broad spectrum of County residents photo courtesy of Mojave Desert News regarding their needs, preferences, • Stakeholder Contacts: Early in the master planning process, MIG attitudes, and visions for parks and staff interviewed key stakeholders recreation services. A variety of activi- identified by Parks and Recre- ties were conducted throughout the ation staff, including Kern County planning process to ensure there were Supervisors, Parks and Recreation opportunities available to all who had Commissioners, and community leaders throughout the County. an interest in providing input and to These interviews provided an early ensure participation from a represen-

IV-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

opportunity in the planning process pants from key stakeholder groups to identify key issues, priorities in each of the five county areas and perceived park and recreation (devised for the telephone survey) needs that helped inform and to offer their perspectives concern- guide subsequent public outreach. ing the issues and priorities of • Telephone Survey: The purpose of parks and recreation services in the the survey was to obtain statistically County and the particular needs valid, countywide input on a variety of their communities. A total of of issues related to the Master 10 Focus Groups were held, two in Plan. The survey was conducted each area of the county. by Research Network, Inc. during • Community Visioning Workshops: a six-week period in late Fall 2008. Two rounds of community work- The county was divided into five shops were planned: five during areas to assure a uniform distribu- January and February and four dur- tion of calls based on demographic ing April and May. The first round data. These same five areas were was designed to gather input on employed for determining where park usage, facility preference, con- Focus Groups and Workshops dition concerns and needs of users. would be held. The purpose of the second round • Web Questionnaire: The recreation was to report MIG’s findings to the questionnaire obtained citizen in- community and receive feedback put on recreation patterns, needs, about those findings. and priorities Two separate questionnaires were developed: one for 4.2 PUBLIC OUTREACH adults ages 18 or older and one SUMMARIES for youth ages 10 to 18. Both were What follows are brief snapshots of offered in English and Spanish and what the team heard from partici- both questionnaires were admin- pants of each of the outreach tools. istered online through the Kern County website, from June 2008 to The impressions and opinions given March 2009. provided the team with a basis from • Self Administered Questionnaire: which to report Key Findings used to Based on the web questionnaire, influence recommendations contained a 4-page, 11 question survey was in this plan. distributed to the public through the Parks and Recreation Depart- Stakeholder Contacts and Interviews ment at public events and county facilities. It too was directed to an Stakeholders were asked to respond adult and youth audience and was to the same 11 questions, however, in both English and Spanish. were not limited in their responses. • Focus Groups: Invited partici- These comments reflect the overall

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-3 chapter four

collective opinions of the stakehold- • There were two distinct and op- ers: posite opinions as to whether the County should be a direct pro- • County parks seen as a valuable vider of recreational programs and asset but under funded and with services. out-of-date, poorly maintained • Inadequate park funding is seen infrastructure. as the key fundamental issue but • Not enough parks to meet recre- many different solutions proposed. ational needs of residents, as the • Developing a stable, sustainable County has not kept pace with funding stream to reduce over the growing population. No new dependence on the General Fund County parks built in decades. seen as critical. • Some expressed the view that • Again there were two distinct and once the County can begin to opposite opinions as to whether expand the park system it should the County should institute or build many more neighborhood increase fees to private groups parks rather than a few large re- for use of community/recreation gional parks. facilities. • Interconnectivity, as well as accessibility, viewed as a core feature of Telephone Survey Mojave East Park the new, expanded park system. The telephone survey questions were designed to explore the perception of the users and non-users of recreation facilities throughout the county: The questions were directed at:

• How and why people use recreation facilities and programs; • Where do they go for recreation activities; • What is their impression of the overall system; • What are the most desired improvements;

• How frequently do they use facilities; and

IV-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

• Would they be willing to bear additional cost to use facilities. How and why people use facilities and programs • Physical fitness, health and well being was cited most frequently as the primary benefit people they seek from recreation, followed next by opportunities to gather and socialize. Self-improvement or career development was the third most popular reason. • Corroborating this finding, the most frequent use of facilities was for the purpose of walking/ jogging/running for recreation or fitness (76%). Passive use of open grass/lawn areas in parks or • Organized sports activities formed recreation facilities followed closely the lowest percentage of interest behind with (65%) and picnicking (58%). Where do they go for recreation • Outdoor uses formed the bulk of activities the rest of responses, not surpris- • Hart Memorial Park, Buena Vista ing since Kern County has so many Aquatic Recreation Area, Lake Isa- outdoor resources: bella, and Leroy Jackson Regional THE MOST FREQUENT USE 1. bicycling on paved surfaces for Park were the most frequently used recreation or fitness (46%), facilities. And 79% of users travel OF FACILITIES WAS FOR by car to reach their recreation 2. camping, trailer/RV camping in destination. Most would travel 4.9 THE PURPOSE OF WALKING/ developed sites with toilet and to 6.5 miles to a recreation facility. table facilities (45%), • A fairly low percentage of recre- JOGGING/RUNNING FOR 3. fishing in fresh water (41%), ation respondents used indoor 4. trail hiking (35%), facilities, but of the facilities men- RECREATION OR FITNESS tioned were: Kerr McGee Com- 5. bicycling on unpaved surfaces munity Center (9%), Greenacres for recreation or fitness (30%), Community Center (7%), Delano 6. use of play equipment, tot lots VFW Memorial Hall (6%), Rasmus- (29%), sen Center (4%), Silver Creek Com- 7. off road vehicle use including munity Center (4%), and School four-wheel drive, motorcycles, facilities (4%). ATVs, or dune buggies (27%)

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-5 chapter four

What is their impression of the Water Parks (8%), overall system Bike Paths (5%), • The County got high marks from Walk/Jog Paths (4%), residents for the state of recreation Swimming Pool for Recreation facilities. Seventy-nine percent of or Lessons (4%), residents said they were very or Soccer Fields (3%), somewhat satisﬁed with the parks Playgrounds/Tot Lots (3%), in the county. Teen and Youth Club Facilities and Programs (3%), • Very or somewhat satisﬁed was the Skate/Skating Facilities (3%), way 87% of respondents described Picnic/Group Facilities (3%), how well the parks were main- and tained. ATV/Off Road/Motocross Fa- • Dissatisfaction with the parks cen- cilities (3%). tered overwhelmingly on the state • As to the question of programs of the restroom facilities. Typical the responses listed the following comments included: needs: “bathroom facilities are dirty/ Youth Programs (8%), littered” Dance Instruction or Classes “bathroom facilities lacking (5%), supplies” Senior Programs (5%), • Concerns about safety and security Arts or Crafts Instruction or were the next highest priority for Lessons (4%), users. These concerns fell mainly Aerobics, Spinning, or Fitness into two categories: Instruction or Classes (3%), Perceived danger from unde- Martial Arts (3%), sirable people in the park and Swimming Lessons (3%), and Unsafe or unpleasant condi- Cooking Instruction or Classes tions of the grounds and (3%). equipment How frequently they use facilities What are the most desired • Frequent users of outdoor facilities outnumbered those of indoor improvements needed facilities (32% vs 15%) • The largest percentage of responses to the question about new • Moderate users of outdoor facili- facilities or programs stated that ties formed the greatest percent- no new facilities or programs were age with 42% as opposed to 24% needed. of indoor. • The next largest response to the • Light and non users of outdoor question of new facilities yielded facilities provided the smallest the following by percentage. percentage at 25%, but 61% of

IV-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

households make little use of in- maintaining existing facilities. door facilities. This could be due to The questionnaires were directed lack of facilities nearby. at both youth and adults in English • Some reasons for non use of facili- and Spanish. Over 1,000 residents ties: participated in the self administered “No Time” for use of parks and and web-based survey. The majority recreation facilities. “Physical Limitations” and of these participants completed the “Do Not Need to Use/Not of English language version of the sur- Interest” veys: adult - 659 (62%) and youth – 362 Would they be willing to bear (32%). Another 55 individuals com- additional cost to support facilities pleted the Spanish-language version • Respondents were virtually tied of the questionnaire –adult - 44 (4%) 74% OF HOUSEHOLDS (44% vs. 45%) as to whether they preferred a household tax or a user and youth – 11 (1%). WOULD BE WILLING TO fee to pay for recreation costs. Five Results from these questions were percent thought that the county TAKE ON A $15 INCREASE should bear all the cost for recre- also sorted into the five county areas ation facilities and activities. used for the telephone survey. In this IN TAXES; 64% WOULD • However 74% of households would regard over 40% of the questionnaires be willing to take on a $15 increase submitted came from Area 3, encom- TAKE ON A $25 INCREASE; in taxes; 64% would take on a $25 passing the Bakersfield metropolitan increase; and 41% would go as 41% WOULD GO AS area, the largest population center AND high as $35 annually to cover fund- in the county. The remaining areas ing costs for recreation. HIGH AS $35 ANNUALLY were also well represented among Web and Self Administered TO COVER FUNDING COSTS Questionnaires those who submitted questionnaires, with the exception of Area 4 which One of the first tools developed to FOR RECREATION. includes Taft and other communities gather information about residents of in the southwestern section of the Kern County was the self administered county. and web-based questionnaire. The list of 23 questions were designed to Unlike the telephone survey, results capture demographic information, from the questionnaires are not recreation preferences, availability of representative of the population as a recreation facilities, perceptions about whole. Instead, information collected County facilities, gaps in service, and through this outreach instrument willingness to bear some cost for constitute the views of a self-selected

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-7 chapter four

group of individuals, who were pre- degree of emphasis on the provision Question #23 Responses disposed based on their interest in of recreation programs. Activities Most Frequently the park system to complete and sub- Participated In (Adults*) This emphasis on the need to im- mit a questionnaire. Highlights from In order of frequency reported prove existing parks and facilities 1. Walking for Pleasure the questionnaires are presented in is further reflected in the degree to the tables that follow. 2. Computers (personal) which participants indicated their 3. Nature Walks The vast majority of those who sub- satisfaction with the current level of 4. Bicycling for Pleasure mitted a questionnaire considered maintenance. The overwhelming ma- 5. Fairs and Festivals parks and recreation services impor- jority in both the English and Spanish 6. Fairs and Festivals tant or very important to the quality of language versions of the question- 7. Concerts (attend) life in Kern County. This was equally naires were at best neutral about or 8. Gardening true for both the English (97.4%) and unsatisfied with maintenance. Only Spanish versions (97.6%) of the ques- 30% in the English language and 19% 9. Dog Walking tionnaire. in the Spanish language version ex- 10. Exercising/Aerobics pressed satisfaction with the mainte- From the perspective of how best to nance of existing parks and recreation improve the park system, the existing Question #24 Responses facilities. park system rather than new parks Activities Would Most Want to Participate In (Adults*) was of greatest interest to most par- Although there were similar patterns In order of priority ticipants. In order of frequency cited, between both English language and 1. Bicycling for Pleasure desired improvements to the park Spanish language questionnaire 2. Nature Walks system focused first, on the need to respondents, there were some differ- 3. Horseback Riding upgrade existing parks (23%); second, ences. Although the opportunity to 4. Walking for Pleasure to maintain existing parks (17%); and enjoy nature and outdoors was cited 5. Hiking/Backpacking third, to provide recreation programs most frequently by both groups as the 6. Concerts (attend) and activities (%15). In terms of overall primary benefit of parks and recre- popularity, expanding the park system ation services, in follow-up questions 7. Dog Walking by acquiring new land, building new the English language participants 8. Swimming (pool) parks and building major new facili- tended to be more consistent in this 9. Camping (RV) ties constituted a second tier of op- regard. In contrast, Spanish language 10. Arts and Crafts tions. This distinction was even truer participants placed a greater empha- *Per English language version; too few Span- ish language respondents responded to this for the Spanish language participants, sis on sports activities and facilities, question to compile a separate list. although they placed an even greater rather than trails and natural areas,

IV-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs – HIGHEST RESPONSE (44) SPANISH LANGUAGE VERSION LANGUAGE VERSION SPANISH Large multi-use parks that serve the whole com- Large munity – 35% A park consisting of sports fields – 33% trails – 41% Exercise Paved trails for walking, biking, etc. – 34% Feel unsafe – 34% Lack of trails and connections – 23% – 88% Yes No, or No Opinion – 12% Multi-use gymnasium – 38% – 25% classrooms Aerobics/exercise activities – 53% Job-related Sports – 53% – 16% Pre-Schoolers Seniors – 15% Neutral – 46% Unsatisfied – 30% Satisfied – 19% – 93% Yes No – 7% $15 annually – 59% $25 annually – 25% Lots – 25% Playgrounds/Tot Bandshell/Concert Stage – 14% Community Center – 24% Fitness Center – 21% spinning, or fitness instructions – 20% Aerobics, – 18% or after school day care Before Provide opportunities to enjoy nature and out- opportunities to enjoy nature Provide doors - 27% - HIGHEST RESPONSE (659) ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION Trails – 23% Trails – 19% Natural Areas Paved trails for walking, biking, etc. – 23% – 22% Trails Nature not conveniently located – 29% far away, Too Lack of trails and connections – 27% – 58% Yes No, or No Opinion – 42% Multi-use gymnasium – 19% Indoor swimming pool – 19% Space for teen activities – 19% programs) (hiking, nature Outdoor/environmental – 70% Aquatics – 53% High school youth – 19% Middle school youth – 14% Neutral – 40% Satisfied – 30% Unsatisfied – 29% – 88% Yes No – 12% $15 annually – 86% $25 annually – 59.5% Paths – 28% Walking/Jogging – 27% Bike Paths/Trails Community Center – 17% Club Facilities – 12% and Youth Teen – 8% Camps for school age children Arts or crafts instruction – 7% Important or Very Important – 97%%Important or Very and outdoors opportunities to enjoy nature Provide – 32% Important - 97% Important/Very ADULT QUESTIONNAIRE HIGHLIGHTS ADULT QUESTION If you seldom use or do not use the parks in Kern County, what are your reasons? your reasons? what are If you seldom use or do not the parks in Kern County, Lack of facilities - 24% How can the park system be improved? What type of park is most needed in Kern County? How would you rate the importance of natural open space? What type of trails/pathways should have the highest priority? your rea- what are do not use pathways or trails in Kern County, If you currently Feel unsafe – 44% sons? center needed in Kern County? Is a multi-purpose indoor recreation Important – 69% Very space most needed? What type of indoor recreation Upgrade existing parks – 23% to youth? should be offered or sports programs What type of recreation services? recreation underserved by current are Which groups How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the level of park, open space and facility maintenance in Kern County? Upgrade existing parks – 29% existing parks and to maintain and improve you support a tax measure Would Important – 97% Very trails, parks, and or develop more parks and natural areas, more trails, acquire facilities? recreation If yes, how much would you be willing to support? facilities you would most like to see added in the outdoor recreation What are Kern County to meet the needs of members your household? facilities you would most like to see added in the indoor recreation What are Kern County to meet the needs of members your household? classes or activities your household would most like to the programs, What are see in Kern County to meet the needs of members your household? Which… benefits of parks, recreation services and open space are most important services and open space are Which… benefits of parks, recreation to you? How important are parks, recreation services and open space to Kern County’s services and open space to Kern County’s parks, recreation How important are quality of life?

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-9 chapter four

which were preferred by English lan- (86%) were willing to pay $15 per year guage participants. compared to the Spanish language ones (59%). The only other major difference between the two groups related to rea- It is important to note that similarities sons cited for not using parks. English across all five areas in Kern County language participants most frequently were greater than the differences. cited the lack of facilities, while those However, there were some minor variations. For instance, a need for more trails and natural areas were cited most frequently in all areas, but Area One in the northeast corner of the county placed an even greater emphasis on large multi-use parks. Another interesting difference; again while all areas identified multi-use gymnasiums and space for teens as an important priority, both areas in the eastern half of the county placed an ever greater priority on the need for an indoor swimming pool. Still, despite the vast geographic scope of Kern County, the views of those who completed the questionnaires were who completed the Spanish version very similar across these varied com- were more concerned about feeling munities. unsafe in the parks. Most of those who completed the A very high degree of support for a youth questionnaire placed an em- tax measure to maintain and improve phasis on active recreation in the form the park system was expressed by of extreme sports/outdoor adventures approximately 90% of the participants and playing sports, as well as the (88% -English, 93% - Spanish). How- types of facilities that would support ever, a significantly higher percentage those activities, such as skate parks, of the English language participants swimming pools and off road bike

IV-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

parks. Opportunities to meet friends 2009 in Bakersﬁeld (4), Delano, Fra- and socialize whether in parks or in zier Park, Lake Isabella, Ridgecrest, teen and youth club facilities were Taft, and Tehachapi. The invitees also popular options, as well as just represented various special interest engaging informal drop-in activities. groups such as: local and special park districts, business and development Despite this expressed interest in professionals, youth and adult sports outdoor and social activities, however, organizations, recreation service pro- the use of personal computers was viders and members of local commu- cited as the activity in which most are nity organizations. engaged in on a regular basis, followed not too far behind by video Participants were guided through sev- games. eral discussions designed to inform the master plan team and County staff Focus Groups about issues closely affecting their A total of 10 focus groups were held communities and organizations. The between February 6 and March 5,

YOUTH QUESTIONNAIRE HIGHLIGHTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION - SPANISH LANGUAGE VERSION – QUESTION HIGHEST RESPONSE (362) HIGHEST RESPONSE (11)

How do you usually get to parks or recre- Walk- 41% Bike – 36% ation activities? Ride with someone else – 23% Walk – 27% Entertainment businesses (movie theater, etc.) – Teen center – 38% Which beneﬁts of parks, recreation services 21% Special events and festivals, trails and paved and open space do you think will be most River access for swimming, etc. – 18% pathways, indoor recreation centers, and popular with youth in Kern County? Teen center – 15% entertainment businesses –all tied at 18% Which sports facilities do you think will be Skate park – 24% Swimming pools – 38% most popular with youth in Kern County? Swimming pool – 21% Outdoor basketball courts – 38% Extreme sports/outdoor adventures – 20% Which types of recreation activities are most Extreme sports/outdoor adventures – 50% Drop-in activities (gym, game room, computers) popular with youth in Kern County? Arts (performing, visual, cultural) – 33% – 19% What are the primary reasons you use parks Play sports – 25% Picnic and general leisure activities – 43% in Kern County? Meet friends/socialize – 20% Walk or bike for exercise – 43% What are the outdoor recreation facilities you Skateboard park – 14% Bandshell/Outdoor Concert stage – 50% would most like to see in Kern County? BMX/Dirt Bike/Off Road Park – 12% Soccer Fields – 50% What are the indoor recreation facilities you Teen and youth club facilities and programs – 18% Community center – 66% would most like to see in Kern County? Ice Skating Rink – 14% What programs, classes or activities you Cooking instructions or classes – 12% Educational workshops or classes – 50% would you most like to see in Kern County? Arts or crafts instructions or classes – 10% Music instruction or classes – 50%

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-11 chapter four

Question #12 Responses Activities Most Frequently focus group agenda and questions park facilities in all parts of the Participated In (Youths) are located in the Appendix. county. In order of frequency reported • There is increased demand for bik- English-language respondents The following observations made ing and walking paths and hiking (only*) during these discussions reflect key trails and equestrian trails, as well 1. Computers (personal) county-wide issues identified by par- as connections to regional trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail that 2. Basketball ticipants. run through Kern County. 3. Video Games • New park development has not • There is a lack of sports fields of all 4. Games (board, electronic) kept pace with population growth. kinds throughout the county. 5. Movies (theater) • Development impact fees are • Most areas are seeking special 6. Jogging/Running insufficient and parks are under- recreation facilities such as, BMX funded. 7. Swimming (pool) bikes, skate parks, dog parks, out- • The public has limited or no access door cultural/event venues. 8. Arts and crafts to recreational facilities owned by The discussions concluded with the 9. Football schools. participants being asked to define 10. Baseball • More cooperation and coordi- the role the County should play in *Too few Spanish language respondents nation is needed between the answered this question County, special park districts, local resolving these issues. The following park agencies and schools. suggestions were offered: Question #13 Responses • Kern County needs to promote • Increase cooperation and coor- Activities Would Most Want to awareness of its valuable and Participate In (Youths) dination between all jurisdictions unique cultural and historical with park and recreation responsi- In order of priority resources. English-language respondents * bilities 1. Dancing • The restrooms in most of the parks Establish a Kern Council of are poorly maintained or need Governments for Parks and 2. Bowling replacement. Recreation 3. Concerts • Off road vehicle use is increasing County focuses on specialized 4. Ice Skating in areas where they are damaging regional parks valuable resources. More appro- Cities focus on local commu- 5. Movies priate OHV user areas need to be nity parks 6. Paint Ball established and managed. • Partnerships established with local communities and private sector to 7. Horseback Riding • Safety and security in parks needs improve existing parks and build 8. Skateboarding to be addressed in all areas. new ones. 9. Basketball • Because of extreme temperatures Construction costs reduced by in various parts of the county, there 10. Camping relying on volunteer time and is a need for year-round, indoor, *Too few Spanish language respondents labor multi-functional facilities. answered this question County provides equipment • There is a need for water/spray and resources

IV-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

Private sector provides in-kind and to a database of organizations services and recreation users, as well as local • Joint use opportunities pursued TOP PRIORITIES OF NEEDS governmental officials. Workshops with local school districts to ex- DISTILLED FROM ALL WORKSHOPS: pand recreational opportunities were held in each of the five areas of throughout Kern County the county: Lake Isabella, Mojave, Fra- • Partnering with schools for joint “Work With Us” should be a zier Park, Lost Hills and Bakersfield. use of facilities theme of the Master Plan • Multi-use fields and sports fields • The County plays the key role in The purpose of the workshops was to for practice and competition convening all the other agencies yield data that was both general to • Improved security and players in the park/recreation the County and to be specific to each • Preserve natural environment of system area in which the workshops were parks and trails for both educa- Bring everybody to the table held. Though much of the informational and recreational purposes Communication is the key and as a wildlife corridor tion received was specific, there were • To improve our parks, we need • Cooperation between all gov- many commonalities among the to build a local constituency that ernmental agencies responsible will support our parks and support issues that all the workshops shared. for trail development creation of a locally funded park They are summarized below. • Acquire land for parks even if organization. they cannot be developed at Park District The format of the workshops was this time. Community Service District highly structured in order to maintain • Indoor multi use facilities Maintenance District consistency of input and take advan- • Local communities and community tage of the 1-1/2 hour time frame. organizations receive guidance from the County Participants were asked to vote for Obtaining grants their favorite park facility, programs Meeting insurance require- and amenities by placing dots on ments three graphic boards on display in • Kern County Soccer Park cited as the room. Next, they listened to and a model example of public/private watched a short slide presentation ex- cooperation plaining the Master Planning process Community Visioning Workshops and goals, and then they were asked Attendance at the Visioning Work- to break into small discussion groups shops was open to the public. The of five or six per table. The breakout workshop dates, times and locations groups went through a three-stage were advertised on the Kern County process. website and in each area’s local media • Determine the things that worked outlet. In addition, emails were sent to well in the County parks system: Kern County staff in each of the areas

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-13 chapter four

Things they liked • Flexible open space in parks Parks they visited • Kern’s great natural resources Sites that met their recreation needs • Local volunteer groups adopting • Report on what didn’t work well or park facilities/amenities that needed improvement • Local sports organizations car- Amenities lacking in the coming for each of their facilities, i.e., munity AYSO, Little League, Football Problems with individual parks leagues, etc. Facilities that were missing or • Senior programs more were needed • Availability of the variety of activi- • Suggest solutions to remedy the ties and attractions in Kern: moun- stated problems and set priorities tains, water, desert, snow play, The break out group sessions ended forests, archeology, river rafting, native American sites, star gazing, with each table’s leader reporting birding, camping, equestrian, etc. their results to the entire room while • Partnerships between the County the MIG facilitator recorded the re- and local agencies to make im- sults. It was the goal to graphically on provements, such as adding new a large wall-mounted piece of paper lights to sports ﬁelds in Mojave when possible. and Boron, and providing equipment to a skate park in Frazier Park Things That Worked Things That Didn’t Work • Local Community Festivals/Social • Lack of restrooms Events – Community-building activities • Lack of irrigation in parks – poor turf condition Leroy Jackson Park

IV-14 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

• Lack of shade structures and shade So kids do not have to rely on in general parents to drive them to the • ADA incompliance; disabled un- park able to use sites • Parks large enough to meet all our needs, with multi-use indoor and • Lack of dog waste pick up facilities outdoor facilities • Lack of signage: directional and Lighted sports fields for soccer, informational softball and baseball • Lack of parking in and near parks Indoor gym with snack bar and restrooms • Shortage of teen facilities and Indoor swimming pool under activities gym floor • Lack of all types of team sports A central gathering place/cen- fields: baseball, soccer, football tral park with amphitheater and softball • Pool or spray park–to cope with • Lack of indoor and gym facilities high temperature summer days • Lack of park space; lots of competi- • Walking path with exercise stations tion for existing facilities • Trails exclusively for non-motorized • Lack of police presence in parks; activities increased vandalism; loss of safety • Plenty of clean restrooms in all the • Lack of trails of all kinds: walking, parks hiking, equestrian, biking. • Shade structures – places to sit and Desired Improvements to Parks in All get out of the sun Areas: • Shaded open space • Maintain and improve existing • Nice landscaping with low water parks requirements • Focus on youth activities and ame- • Lighting in all parks (night-sky nities (especially ages 5 to 14 and friendly) 15 to 18) • Multi-Generational Community/ Recreation programs in the Child Care Center –Multi-Use Facil- parks ity Teen led programs to mentor • Band stand or amphitheater younger kids Kids spending more time • Improved restrooms outdoors • Trail system Bus transports kids to park • Walking track • Larger number of small parks accessible on foot • Access to school facilities, especially during summer months

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-15 chapter four

Workshop Key Findings of parks and trails for both educa- Besides the results listed above, tional and recreational purposes and as a wildlife corridor many participants noted the following benefits and observations from their • Cooperation between all governmental agencies responsible for involvement in these focus group trail development is essential for discussions: the improvement and develop- Sulfur water fountain. ment of a countywide trail system (courtesy Beale Kern County Library) • They came away learning some- thing new from the other par- • Acquire land for parks even if they ticipants and were happy to have cannot be developed at this time. shared their information. • Indoor multi use facilities are • They were willing to take some needed in many communities responsibility for caring for their Suggestions for Achieving the Goals/ local facilities Priorities • They were eager to learn how they The participants realized that the re- could partner with the County and other local entities to achieve their sponsibility for addressing these chal- recreational goals. lenges and opportunities did not all Top Priorities of Needs Distilled from rest with the County. They put forward All Workshops: some of the following suggestions to The items below represent the final make their goals reachable. most important priorities arrived at • “Cooperation between all agen- by each of the workshop breakout cies (County and local) will be groups. They are not arranged in any needed to improve existing parks” priority since all were of equal impor- • “Public volunteers are available and should be pursued as a key re- tance to the group members. source to upgrade existing parks” • Partnering with schools for joint Citizen recreation committees use of facilities should be pursued can be set up to adopt local to expand the scope and range of park and trails park and recreational facilities • Local fundraising to help finance • There is a critical need for more local park improvements” multi-use fields and sports fields Establish a non-profit chari- for practice and competition table organization to support • Improved security in all the parks is the County park system, e.g. essential Friends of Kern County Parks. • “Control of local parks now • Preserve the natural environment

IV-16 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

maintained by the County could The purpose of these workshops be established by creating local was to review ideas and perspec- community-based organizations tives expressed in the initial round of like park districts and/or recreation councils” workshops held earlier in 2009, and to present key goals and recommenda- Park District would be responsible for development and tions derived from that input. In implementation of recreation each of these subsequent meetings, programs participants were asked to indicate • “Explore different ﬁnancing meth- the degree to which they believed ods for new parks and facilities” the proposed recommendation ad- Parcel tax dressed issues that were important to Public utility service area (with a portion for recreation pro- them. Participants ranked their agree- grams) ment on scale from 1 to 10, with 1 as Contract with other park agen- “strongly disagree,” 5 as “neutral”, cies and 10 as “strongly agree.” The fol- • “Joint use of schools facilities with local community” lowing table summarizes each group’s • “Kern County should coordinate general responses to nine key recom- with park agencies to meet and mendations, as well as an overall aver- work together” age response across all workshops: Expand the Kern County Parks website Of the 19 participants who respond- Share ideas among the various ed, over 85% indicated their willing- park agencies on best prac- ness to support a tax measure to carry tices out these park improvement recom- Grants assistance from Kern County mendations. When asked to state the • “Link communities by providing level of funding support they would transportation to other facilities be willing to provide: and activities” • Eight of the 19 indicated they • “Use County to provide advice and would be able to support a $50 available resources (equipment)” annual tax, Community Visioning Workshops II • Five would support more than $50 A second round of four community annually, workshops attended by twenty two • Five would support $25 annually, individuals was held in May 2009. • One would support $15 annually.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-17 chapter four

DEGREE OF condition of those parks and recre- AGREEMENT ation facilities. This was especially KEY RECOMMENDATION 1- Strongly Disagree true of those who proactively chose 5- Neutral to participate in the Master Plan 10- Strongly Agree outreach process by completing an #1- Improve and maintain existing parks as ﬁrst priority 8.5 on-line questionnaire, or attending a #2 –Build new parks in under served areas of the County 5.8 focus group or community workshop. #3 – Provide a range of indoor and outdoor recreation facilities 7.4 (e.g. multi-=service community centers, multi-use sports ﬁelds) Respondents to the telephone survey, #4 – Expand trails and pathways throughout the County 7.3 who were more representative of #5 – Ensure safety and security in all parks 8.1 the public at large, expressed more #6 – Local parks transferred to cities and independent park dis- 7.8 satisfaction with the maintenance of tricts so Kern County can focus on regional parks the parks. #7 – Create a regional park authority and local independent park 7.8 districts Those who expressed their dissatis- #8 – Develop dedicated funding source with creation of landscape 8.0 and lighting districts faction with the existing condition of #9 - Coordinate with all other park agencies 8.0 the park system attributed it to what

4.3 KEY FINDINGS they perceived as insufficient resources available to maintain parks and fa- Although the community outreach cilities. Years of deferred maintenance process relied on a variety of different had impacted the system and what methods to gather input from Kern they saw as neglect was now more County residents, many of the same increasingly visible than ever. This ob- issues and needs tended to emerge servation was especially true for older from these various discussions and residents who had known the parks in survey instruments. These key find- their youth when the park system was ings are categorized here to provide still in its prime. an overall profile of what was learned through this process. Among all participants in the outreach process there was almost Existing Condition of the Park System universal dissatisfaction with state of Most expressed appreciation for the restrooms and the need for additional extensive park system that is available restroom facilities. In addition, they to County residents. They also voiced expressed concerns about whether concern about what was generally their local parks provided a safe and characterized as the poor current secure environment for themselves or

IV-18 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN DATE HERE park, facility and program needs

their families. Indications of vandalism especially true among respondents to or the poor condition of existing park the on-line questionnaire living in the grounds and facilities tended to rein- Greater Bakersfield area, the part of force that fear. Given their concerns Kern County which has experienced about the conditions of the parks, the most growth over the past few it was not surprising that a desire to decades. upgrade and improve maintenance of Needs of Youth Not Being Met existing parks and recreation facilities The need for more parks and recre- emerged as a top priority. ation facilities, as well as recreation Lack of Parks and Facilities in Some programs, was especially trouble- Communities some when it came to serving the While many had voiced concerns needs of youth and the teen popula- about the existing parks, there were tion. In focus groups and community others who observed that there were workshops, the perception that there simply no longer enough parks to were too few facilities and programs serve residents. Those most famil- for youths and teens was a recurring iar with the park system noted that theme. Some long time residents ob- no new parks had been built by the served that when they had been grow- County in many years, even though ing up as kids in Kern County, there they knew the population in their seemed to be much more available in area had been growing. Others, the way of facilities and programs, but especially those from newer commu- that no longer seemed to be true. nities, reported their initial surprise, when they had realized there were no Some wanted to see more in the way parks located near where they lived. of teen centers and programs. Others This perspective was reinforced by felt that the supply of available sports telephone survey respondents who fields and facilities was being increas- reported a need for more facilities ingly outstripped by the demand from as the primary reason for their dis- those in organized team sports as well satisfaction with the park system. as those who simply wanted more in- Similarly, a lack of facilities was cited formal play areas. Some communities by those who completed a question- relied heavily on local school sports naire as the primary reason they were fields to meet this need, but that solu- not using the park system. This was tion was not always available to the extent needed. When given the op-

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-19 chapter four

portunity to voice their opinion, skate parks emerged as the most popular outdoor facility among youth, while a teen and youth club with programs and facilities was cited as the most popular indoor facility.

Factors Contributing to Current Park System Difficulties In the early stakeholder interviews, but also in the focus groups and community workshops that came later, most pointed to the lack of sufficient resources as the primary reason for the failure to adequately maintain existing parks or to build new ones. This was a long-standing problem, which was only growing more severe over time. Some noted that an opportunity to forge a stronger link between new housing developments and new park infrastructure had been missed, which could have alleviated some of the present day difficulties. In focus groups and community workshops, some believed there was an opportunity to make better use of limited park resources through greater cooperation at the local level between the County, local park agencies, and schools.

IV-20 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN park, facility and program needs

Types of Park Amenities and all generations but especially local Recreation Facilities Desired by the youth. A desire to see more sports Public fields and facilities that could accom- The reasons people cited for using modate a variety of different sports parks and the perceived benefits for over the course of a year was also doing so, shaped the types of facili- voiced in most every community. Also, ties they would like to see in the park as in the surveys and questionnaires, system. Among those who completed the need for water/splash parks and the on-line questionnaire, the op- skate parks was frequently cited. portunity to enjoy nature and the They also cited a need for other park outdoors was a primary benefit. Not amenities, including more shaded surprisingly they wanted to see im- areas, improved lighting, and better provements made to trail systems and park signage. Referring back to earlier opportunities to access natural areas observations, a desire to see more expanded. Youth cited the benefits recreation programs that cater to the of meeting friends and socializing as educational, recreational, social needs a primary benefit, so a teen or com- of local youth was frequently cited, munity center was a popular facility. along with a place or places in which Respondents to the telephone survey such programs could occur. cited physical fitness, health and well-being, followed by opportuni- Organizing to Improve the Park ties to gather and socialize as primary System benefits they sought from recreation. Participants in the focus groups and They were most interested in seeing community workshops also had an op- water parks, as well as more bike and portunity to offer ideas on how to go walking paths in the park system. about the process of improving the park system. Given the history of in- Expanding the trail system was also a sufficient park resources at the County recurring theme among participants level, some were skeptical about in the focus groups and community what might change in the future. For workshops. They also expressed a this reason, there was often a desire desire to see more up-to-date recre- expressed at the local level to play a ational facilities, especially multi-use larger role in shaping their local parks, community centers that could serve although they were not always sure the recreational and social needs of

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | IV-21 chapter four

how this might be achieved. Some Conclusion ...MOST POINTED TO THE LACK had experienced success working in The analysis contained in this chapter

OF SUFFICIENT RESOURCES partnership with the County Parks De- is a general profile of the recreation partment on specific projects such as needs, desires and priorities that AS THE PRIMARY REASON FOR improving a local ball field or putting emerged through the community in a skate park and wondered if this outreach and planning process. This THE FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY practice could be the foundation for overview along with more specific MAINTAIN EXISTING PARKS OR TO more long-standing organized activity needs assessment details lays out in their community. Others felt these an overall vision of improvements BUILD NEW ONES. partnerships should be extended to that need to be made to the existing the local school district, and hoped park system and the type of park and the County could help facilitate such recreation opportunities that should arrangements. Given the need for ad- be available to residents of Kern ditional park resources, there was also County in the future. These findings a willingness on the part of a small have helped to guide and shape the majority, voiced in the survey and recommendations that form the basis questionnaires, to pay an additional of this Master Plan. amount each year ($15 or $25 annually) in taxes or fees to help improve the park system

IV-22 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER FIVE

5 policies, goals and actions THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER FIVE policies, goals and actions

THIS CHAPTER OUTLINES POLI- process. These have been included CIES and goals that together create not only to provide a complete set a management framework for the of goals and recommended actions, enhancement of the Kern County but also to emphasize their continu- parks and recreation system. It also ing importance. describes the recommended actions for carrying out these polices 5.1 POLICY I - GOALS AND and achieving these goals. These ACTIONS policies, goals and actions are POLICY I – Develop and maintain based on the community needs a countywide system of regional assessment and the level of service parks, natural open spaces and analyses for parks, facilities, pro- recreational facilities which together grams, and maintenance. Recom- provide opportunities for both ac- mended actions are organized and tive and passive recreation, serv- categorized in terms of two over- ing the wide ranging recreational arching policy statements and a set of 12 goals.

Where a recommended action helps to accomplish more than one policy or goal, it has been repeated to emphasize the interactive, and multiple outcomes it helps to achieve. Some of these goals and actions reflect current policies and practices of the Kern County Parks and Recreation Department, as well as findings identified through the community needs assessment

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-1 chapter five

and social needs of the diverse, park improvements are made varied communities of Kern County. g. Conduct maintenance consistent with the established standards and Top: Typical picnic shelter at Buena Vista GOAL 1 - Rehabilitate, renovate level of service requirements Aquatick Recreation Area and modernize existing parks and Ensure all current and new recreational facilities in the Kern Middle: Typical slide in need of replacement County park system. County parks meet park main- a. Ensure all current County parks tenance standards. Bottom: Frazier Park ballfield provide an adequate range and Implement and fund mainte- supply of active recreation facilities nance frequency protocols that before undertaking the develop- maximize the life of park and ment of new County parks. recreation assets Invest in preventative mainte- b. Develop a long range replacement nance and upgrades for parks plan, with schedule, for parks and and facilities to maximize long- facilities. term benefits c. Renovate and replace all restrooms GOAL 2 - Provide a minimum not consistent with park standards standard of 5 acres of park land d. Remove and replace all play per 1,000 residents. This standard equipment and other recreational would apply to regional parks serv- facilities not consistent with park ing the entire County, as well as local parks in unincorporated areas standards of the County not served by a local e. Repurpose various existing rec- park district. reational facilities to better meet a. Develop new parks in underserved existing and future community areas of Kern County consistent recreational needs and to develop with park standards. revenue generating capacity. b. Provide geographically accessible f. Maximize operational efficiency to regional parks in strategic loca- provide the greatest public benefit tions throughout Kern County. for the resources expended when c. Strategically consider opportuni-

V-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

ties to land-bank sites for local and regional parks in priority locations that meet the needs of under served population clusters in unincorporated areas of Kern County. d. Provide park design and maintenance standards for developers to encourage provision of turn-key parks in lieu of fees. e. Work closely with developers to identify park and trail needs, required acreage and facility standards f. Co-locate parks and recreation facilities with schools, libraries, and other public facilities where possible to effectively and efﬁciently provide service. c. Co-locate community centers and Above: One of many campgrounds at Buena g. Utilize park design techniques libraries, or other public infrastruc- Vista Aquatic Recreation Area to ensure the compatibility of all ture, wherever possible. nearby uses and facilities in all new and renovated existing parks. d. Add water features such as splash POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS play areas to encourage gathering GOAL 3 - Provide access to vari- and daytime use, especially during POLICY I - Provide a quality park ous types of indoor and outdoor hot weather months and open space system that recreation facilities with the capac- supports opportunities for active e. Maintain open play areas in County ity to support increased recreation and passive recreation to meet parks that can be used for informal programming and provide year- the wide ranging recreational and sports and team play; allow the use round recreation opportunities for social needs of the diverse, varied all County residents of these areas without prior reser- communities of Kern County a. Develop multi-use sports complex- vation. POLICY II - Maximize resources es in strategic locations throughout f. Create partnerships for facility and expand opportunities for the the County that can support soft- development, programming and County-wide parks and recreation ball, soccer and other team sports. operations. system by reforming the ﬁnancial b. Develop multi-service commu- g. Provide unique, innovative, state- support structure for the park nity centers in strategic locations of-the-art, signature facilities to system, enhancing organizational throughout Kern County to serve draw users from throughout the capabilities, and pro-actively as focal points for the delivery of region and establish an identity/ engaging other organizations and recreation programs and commu- brand for Kern County Parks. the community at large through nity services, including services to Prioritize new facility develop- partnerships and other coopera- youth and seniors. ment, based on criteria such tive arrangements.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-3 chapter five

TWELVE GOALS as a facility’s regional draw, Plan Element and Kern River revenue-generating capacity, Trails Specific Plan. innovation or uniqueness of Ensure a comprehensive plan- GOAL 1 - Rehabilitate, renovate services, and ability to increase ning process by seeking the and modernize existing parks and programming options within active participation of all local recreational facilities in the Kern identified core program areas. cities, park districts, as well as County park system. Determine the feasibility of state and federal agencies; in- GOAL 2 - Provide a minimum jointly funded and managed cluding the U.S. Forest Service standard of 5 acres of park land specialized facilities. and the Bureau of Land Man- per 1,000 residents. This standard Encourage private develop- agement; in the development would apply to regional parks serv- ment and operation of new of the Trails Master Plan. ing the entire County, as well as facility types, such as extreme Work with other County juris- local parks in unincorporated areas sports centers, water recre- dictions/organizations to de- of the County not served by a local ation facilities, etc. velop a Regional Off-Highway park district. GOAL 4 - Expand trail connections Vehicles (OHV) Park to serve both Kern County residents GOAL 3 - Provide access to various and pathways throughout Kern and visitors in a strategic loca- types of indoor and outdoor rec- County tion that will protect environ- reation facilities with the capacity a. Develop a Kern County Trails Mas- mentally sensitive areas from to support increased recreation ter Plan to guide the development OHV activities. programming and provide year- of a regional system of off-street b. Provide diverse trail opportunities, round recreation opportunities for trails and corridors that link parks, including both hard and soft-sur- all County residents open spaces, significant environ- faced trails, looped trail systems, mental features, public facilities GOAL 4 - Expand trail connections and trails with a variety of lengths and areas of interest. and pathways throughout Kern and access points. County Enhance the existing trail c. Provide trails especially suited for network to develop an off-road GOAL 5 - Ensure that all Kern non-motorized uses, including multi-purpose trail system County parks and recreation facili- walking/hiking, biking and eques- connecting all major parks and ties maintain a high level of safety trian use. and security for visitors and em- open space areas to schools, d. Provide adequate facilities and trail ployees. public facilities and key destinations. support services including inter- GOAL 6 - Incorporate natural Link the Kern County trail pretive and directional signage, areas and unique ecological and system with other local and seating, drinking fountains, rest- archeological features into the park regional trail systems, neigh- rooms, parking and other loading and open space system to pro- boring counties, and nearby areas, viewpoints and overlooks. tect threatened species, conserve jurisdictions. e. Coordinate with other park agen- significant natural and cultural Draw upon and incorporate cies, cities, local communities, trail resources and retain critical habi- existing trails plans, including organizations and providers to tat areas that are unique to Kern those in the Kern County Gen- support trail development in Kern County. eral Plan such as the Kern River County.

V-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

f. Increase public awareness of the Protect renovated and refur- TWELVE GOALS trail system by providing trail maps bished parks by installing new and other related information. park amenities and recreation facilities resistant to graffiti and GOAL 7 - Achieve sustainable long- g. Work closely with developers to term financial viability for the Kern identify park and trail needs, re- other forms of vandalism Work with the Kern County County park system to satisfy opera- quired acreage and facility stan- tional needs, capital requirements dards Sheriff’s Office and Kern Coun- ty Park Rangers to review and and desired recreation services. h. Provide guidelines and standards refine park and landscaping GOAL 8 –Re-define the organiza- for developers to encourage the designs to deter crime through tional structure of the Kern County development of internal pathways environmental design park system to improve coordina- and trails within developments and Implement a graffiti removal tion with other park agencies, park identify, where possible, opportu- program and recreation districts and private nities to connect with established b. Add lighting to parks and trails to providers to ensure that the parks trails and pathways. increase safety and extend evening and recreation needs of all Kern i. Involve community members and hours of park usage County residents are being met. representatives from pedestrian, c. Develop or designate perimeter GOAL 9 – Continue to support bicycling and equestrian organiza- trails with mileage markers around the development and delivery of tions in trail planning activities. parks to encourage regular use by recreation programs and services the community Above: Photo caption here. GOAL 5 - Ensure that all Kern Coun- provided by other park agencies, ty parks and recreation facilities d. Install surveillance cameras to sup- non-profit groups, and community maintain a high level of safety and port user safety and law enforce- organizations in Kern County. security for visitors and employees. ment goals GOAL 10 - Engage Kern County a. Consider innovative programs and e. Ensure there are a sufficient num- residents in the planning, steward- the use of park design to increase ber of Park Rangers and Security ship, and programming of park and park safety, security and visibility. Officers and other Park staff trained recreation resources, and provide effective community outreach and Design and develop all park in safety and security procedures marketing to increase public aware- improvements and new parks to maintain a safe and secure park ness and support of recreation with security concerns in mind. environment for the public. services. GOAL 11 – Design and manage County parks and recreation facilities to support families, provide youth with healthy and safe recreational activities, and to encourage community-building. GOAL 12 - Develop, train, and support a professional parks department staff who effectively serve the community in the realization of the goals and objectives of this Plan.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN DATE HERE | V-5 chapter five

Ensure Park Rangers, Security threatened species, conserve signif- DEVELOP AN ADOPT A Officers and other Park staff icant natural and cultural resources are a visible presence in every and retain critical habitat areas that are unique to Kern County. PARK PROGRAM AND OTHER County regional park throughout the day, on weekends and a. Conserve or partner to protect significant environmental and COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT evenings. Enforce all park rules and archeological features that reflect Kern County’s natural and cultural EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE regulations, including bans on alcohol consumption. heritage. COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO TAKE f. Develop an Adopt a Park program b. Increase open space areas and and other community involvement greenway corridors to provide al- OWNERSHIP OF THEIR PARKS... efforts to encourage community ternatives to the built environment members to take ownership of and buffers between communities. their park(s) and report safety and c. Identify and conserve wildlife security incidents to Park Rang- habitat including wildlife corridors, ers, Security Officers and other law nesting sites and foraging areas enforcement officers. within natural areas and open Involve local residents, in- spaces. cluding young people, in the d. Ensure that the trail systems sup- design of new and improved port natural area conservation and parks so as to provide recre- responds to environmental condi- ation facilities requested by tions and conservation priorities the community which will be while providing public access respected by the majority of where feasible. park users. e. Incorporate interpretative signage GOAL 6 - Incorporate natural areas and viewpoints of local natural and and unique ecological and archeo- cultural resources throughout the Boaters on Lake Evans with logical features into the park and island in background open space system to protect park system.

V-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

f. Develop a natural area management strategy to ensure that resources are maintained and conserved. The management strategy should address issues such as invasive weed removal, restoration projects, limited access areas, etc. g. Coordinate with agencies County- wide to conserve and provide public access to environmentally sensitive areas and sites that are especially unique to Kern County. h. Integrate park and open space management plans with watershed planning and other resource management programs in Kern County. Use natural areas within Kern County parks for multiple purposes including managing stormwater and protecting habitat. tively engaging other organizations i. Support non-profit and agency and the community at large through partners in efforts to acquire con- partnerships and other cooperative servation and open space areas. arrangements. Proactively work with partner agencies and conservation or- GOAL 7 - Achieve sustainable long- ganizations to secure funding term financial viability for the Kern from grants and other sources County park system to satisfy oper- to acquire and preserve quality ational needs, capital requirements natural and cultural resource and desired recreation services. areas. a. Use effective and innovative funding methods to build, maintain, 5.2 POLICY II GOALS AND operate, and promote the parks ACTIONS and recreation system. POLICY II - Maximize resources and b. Identify and develop a dedicated expand opportunities for the County- funding source(s) for the County wide parks and recreation system by park system. reforming the financial support struc- c. Maintain diverse funding for the ture for the park system, enhancing acquisition and development of organizational capabilities, and proac- park land, recreation facilities, and

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-7 chapter five

trails to meet community recre- GOAL 8 –Re-define the organiza- ation needs. tional structure of the Kern County park system to improve coordina- d. Actively seek innovative funding tion with other park agencies, park methods to retain financial flexibili- and recreation districts and private ty, match user benefits and inter- providers to ensure that the parks ests, and increase facility services. and recreation needs of all Kern SERVE AS A REGIONAL e. Seek additional revenue generat- County residents are being met. ing activities, grant programs and a. Develop a new organizational RECREATION COORDINATOR, other fund raising activities. structure that will emphasize the primary role and responsibility of FORGING PARTNERSHIPS AND f. Consider the use of park impact fees and if implemented periodi- Kern County as the provider of regional parks and recreation facili- FOSTERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR cally evaluate those fees to ensure that rates are sufficient to meet ties. COUNTYWIDE COLLABORATION increased recreation needs caused Establish a countywide in- by development dependent park district as a AMONG ALL MAJOR RECREATION g. Evaluate fees received from the regional park authority. rental of the County’s parks and Serve as a regional recre- PROVIDERS IN THE PROVISION OF recreational facilities, including ation coordinator, forging community/recreation buildings, partnerships and fostering PARKS, FACILITIES, PROGRAMS, so as to minimally cover the cost opportunities for countywide of operating and managing those collaboration among all major AND SERVICES. facilities. recreation providers in the provision of parks, facilities, h. Explore partnerships with other programs, and services. public and private agencies includ- Create a comprehensive, ing cities, special park districts, balanced park and recre- school districts, state, federal, ational system that integrates other public and private agen- Kern County Parks Depart- cies, and for-profit concessionaires ment parks and facilities with where feasible and desirable. resources available from the i. Provide sufficient operations fund- other jurisdictions, organiza- ing to support County residents‘ tions, and public and private desired level of service. agencies to meet the goals set j. Encourage entrepreneurial activi- forth in this plan. ties that provide appropriate park Cooperate with the cities, and recreation services and facili- school districts, and other ties that can generate revenue. public and private agencies to avoid duplication, improve k. Explore alternate service provision facility quality and availability, models that may enhance efficient reduce costs, and represent and effective operations. local resident interests through

V-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

joint planning and development efforts. Provide technical assistance or facilitate in the formation of local park and recreation service areas or park and recreation service districts where needed to ensure all County residents have access to local parks and recreational services. b. Transfer community and neighborhood parks, and neighborhood- oriented community/recreation buildings, currently managed and operated by Kern County to local control when feasible. Local cities and park and recreation districts should assume management and control of d. Continue to serve as a provider County-owned community and of recreation facilities to support neighborhood parks located programming and recreation op- within their jurisdictions. portunities provided by public and New park and recreation private groups in the community. districts or other local park entities established in unincor- e. Provide guidance to newly formed porated areas of the County park service areas or park and should have the capability to recreation service districts in the assume management and con- development of parks, facilities, trol of County-owned commu- programs, and funding strategies, nity and neighborhood parks including grant writing and the and recreation facilities located formalization of partnership agree- within their newly formed juris- ments. dictions. f. Where appropriate and economi- c. Cooperate with other public and cally feasible, assist local park dis- private agencies, as well as with tricts in the conservation, develop- private landowners, to conserve ment and operation of parks and land and resources necessary to recreational facilities of interest to provide high quality, convenient the regional population. park and recreation facilities before g. Where appropriate, initiate or par- the most suitable sites are lost to ticipate in the joint planning and development. provision of programs with other

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-9 chapter five

public and private agencies to sistance that supports the de- meet County recreation needs. livery of recreation programs h. Cooperate with school districts by other park and community to expand the scope of parks and organizations. recreation services available to b. Work with nonprofit organizations and other providers to meet rec- WORK WITH OTHER LOCAL PARK residents. reation program needs at desired Conduct a comprehensive locations throughout the County. AGENCIES AND NON-PROFIT inventory of school recreation areas that could be Work with other local park ORGANIZATIONS TO DEVELOP made available for public use agencies and non-profit through joint use agreements. organizations to develop a A PROGRAMMING STRATEGY Partner with local school programming strategy for pro- districts to provide increased viding services to underserved FOR PROVIDING SERVICES TO public access to fields and residents in unincorporated courts for formal and informal areas of the County. UNDERSERVED RESIDENTS IN play. c. Seek community input on recre- Develop new sports and play- ation program preferences and UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE ing fields in cooperation with interests. school districts. d. Provide fun and safe gathering COUNTY. Establish joint use agreements places in County parks and recre- with school districts and other ation facilities for teens. agencies that identify roles and Allocate spaces that are dedi- responsibilities and provide cated to teen recreation and standards for operations and uses. maintenance, scheduling and Develop employment oppor- capital improvements. tunities for teens at facilities GOAL 9 – Continue to support that serve youth. the development and delivery of GOAL 10 - Engage Kern County recreation programs and services residents in the planning, steward- provided by other park agencies, ship, and programming of park and non-profit groups, and community recreation resources, and provide organizations in Kern County. effective community outreach and a. Continue to support countywide marketing to increase public aware- sports, recreation programs, and ness and support of recreation special events through the provi- services. sion of recreation and community a. Increase name recognition and facilities. establish an identity/brand for Kern County is not a di- Kern County Parks and Recreation rect provider of recreation Department. programs and services but b. Promote Kern County as a recre- provides facilities and other as-

V-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

ation destination, using a variety of public relations and marketing techniques. c. Enhance customer service by making information and registration more accessible to the community. d. Target frequent park users and special interest groups through a multi-media campaign in order to raise awareness of parks and recreation opportunities throughout the County. e. Consider partnership opportunities for advertising parks, programs, and services County-wide to promote Kern County to a wider group of potential park and facility visitors. volunteer and fundraising ac- One of many peacocks inhabiting Hart f. Promote volunteerism to enhance tivities on behalf of parks and Memorial Park community ownership and stew- recreation programs through- ardship of parks, recreation pro- out Kern County at both the grams, and services. In particular, regional and local level. encourage citizen involvement g. Provide opportunities for public and participation in maintaining, input in park planning and design improving, and restoring parks and decisions. natural areas. h. Balance the perspectives of nearby Expand opportunities for vol- neighbors with community prefer- unteers to participate in activi- ences, regional needs, staff knowl- ties that support Kern County’s edge, and County regulations to parks and recreation facilities. create effective plans and designs Identify opportunities for for parks, facilities, and programs. volunteers to support Parks Department activities. i. Periodically review local park and Develop a recruitment and re- recreation preferences, needs, and tention program for volunteers trends Provide training and supervi- j. Develop new and updated stan- sion to volunteers. dards for signage, graphics, and Assist in the formation of other materials that are used to a non-proﬁt organization identify and promote parks and (Friends of Kern County Parks) recreation programs. to help coordinate and support

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-11 chapter five

k. Conduct periodic needs assess- Provide facilities for outdoor ments, community surveys, pub- concerts, community festivals lic opinion polls, and research and other public gatherings. through other methods to deter- b. Provide tools to help commu- mine community needs for parks nity organizations host their own and recreation facilities. events in County parks and recre- Provide opportunities for ation facilities. residents to provide input on Develop a community guide Batting cages at Metro Park proposed parks and facilities, that includes information on amenities and improvements. topics such as reserving park l. Provide information at each park facilities, securing permits, that will help users meet their ﬁt- safety, insurance requirements, ness goals, such as mileage mark- publicity opportunities and ers and/or how many laps around a other related topics. perimeter trail equal a mile. Support residents from ethnic m. Work with local businesses and communities in organizing partner organizations to host events that celebrate and regular community events and share the different cultures of activities. Kern County. c. Encourage the integration of parks GOAL 11 – Design and manage and trails into overall community County parks and recreation facili- design, planning and development ties to support families, provide decisions. youth with healthy and safe recre- Develop trails and pathways ational activities, and to encourage community-building. that connect parks to schools and neighborhoods so youth a. Improve existing parks and de- can safely travel to and from velop new parks to serve as central recreation activities by walking, gathering places for the communi- bicycling, skateboarding, etc. ties in which they are located. GOAL 12 - Develop, train, and sup- Provide amenities such as port a professional parks depart- benches, picnic areas, and ment staff who effectively serves other features that encour- the community in the realization age community gathering and of the goals and objectives of this extended park usage. Plan. Install benches facing tot lots a. Ensure Kern County Parks Depart- and playgrounds to provide a ment staff has the resources, tools space for supervised play and and training needed to effectively inter-generational recreation. perform their jobs. Maintain open play areas for b. Employ a diverse, well trained work informal use without prior force that is motivated to achieve reservation.

V-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

Department and County-wide goals. c. Encourage teamwork through communications, creativity, positive image, risk taking, sharing of resources, and cooperation toward common goals. d. Foster staff development and training by encouraging participation in professional organizations, educational classes, and training seminars. e. Provide mentorship opportunities and emphasize ongoing performance evaluations for all staff members to improve staff performance. f. Target new hiring and skill develop- within recreation park districts. The Cows graze throughout the rural hills and ment to meet identified needs for park classification system described mountains of Kern County. specialized and technical services. earlier in Chapter III, reflects the need to serve these divergent circumstanc- 5.3 PARK STANDARDS es, consists of five park types divided A well-rounded county-wide park into two broad categories: local facili- system is composed of different types ties and regional facilities. or classification of parks, each serving a different function and providing a Local Facilities • Neighborhood Parks distinct type of recreational opportunity for the service area. Currently, • Community Parks the Kern County Parks and Recreation Regional Facilities Department manages a countywide • Regional Parks system of both small parks serving • Regional Recreation Areas local communities and large regional • Special Use Facilities parks that serve the entire County population. These County local and 5.4 PARK STANDARDS AND LEVEL OF SERVICE regional parks are located not only in The level of service (LOS) is a ratio of unincorporated areas of the County, park land to the population expressed but also in incorporated cities and in terms of acres per 1,000 residents

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-13 chapter five

TABLE 5-1 RECOMMENDED PARK STANDARDS

COMPONENT USE SERVICE AREA DESIR- ACRES/1,000 DESIRABLE SITE ABLE SIZE PEOPLE CHARACTERISTICS

Neighborhood Areas for informal, active and pas- One-mile radius of 6-10 acres 5 Located to maximize Parks sive recreational activities such as residential areas service area for surround- fields and courts, playground equip- zoned single-fam- ing neighborhood. May ment, paths and picnic areas, May ily residential and be jointly developed with include amenities such as restrooms higher school districts. and drinking fountains. Community Areas for active and organized Two-mile radius of 10 acres or 5 May be jointly developed Parks recreational activities such as sports residential areas more with school districts. fields and courts, fixed recreational zoned single-fam- Where a community equipment, recreation facilities, ily residential and park also serves as the walking paths or trails, swimming higher neighborhood par for the pools, water features and areas for service area, amenities picnicking and socializing. provided in neighborhood parks, such as playground equipment, will be provided Regional Parks Areas of natural or aesthetic quality Countywide 200 acres or 5 Variable as each is de- for outdoor recreation such as pic- more signed to provide access nicking, boating, fishing, swimming, to unique or significant camping, and trail uses. May include ecological, cultural or his- areas to conserve or support signifi- torical features or unique cant environmental features. Devel- recreational facilities opment is primarily the responsibil- that attract visitors from ity of County park departments, and throughout the County not local park agencies. and beyond. Regional Recre- A more complex, geographically Countywide 1000 acres Variable ation Areas sprawling area encompassing a or more wide range and variety of natural and recreational resources, some- times jointly managed and operated by several public agencies and private operators. Special Use Areas for specialized or single-pur- Countywide Variable Variable May be jointly developed Facilities pose activities such as soccer, soft- with other agencies and ball, and other sports, or innovative organizations. Potential state of the art multiuse recreational revenue generating complexes. May include facilities source. to support spectator viewing and tournament play.

V-14 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

The County’s General Plan currently The existing 2.5 acres per 1,000 sets the park acreage standard at 2.5 standard has been in place since at acres per 1,000 residents. This stan- least 1990 and remains unchanged dard encompasses both local and despite the gradual transforma- regional facilities. The Bakersfield tion of people and places that have Metropolitan General Plan states that occurred in Kern County since that “local parks are to be established at time. Given park deficiencies that a minimum rate of 2.5 usable acres have only grown during this period, per 1,000 population, with “usable” it is a standard that has proven to be defined as essentially flat land suit- an inadequate tool for helping the able for facilities and activity areas.1 County park system keep pace with It also states as a goal, that Kern these changes. Among the develop- County and other park agencies in ments that have been reshaping Kern the planning area “provide four acres County, the size of the population of park and recreation space for each has increased, which includes many 1,000 persons (based on the most young families new to Kern County recent census) for general regional that have higher expectations for recreation opportunity as a minimum the provision of park and recreation standard.”2, 3 services. This increased demand for more parks and recreation services To ensure that an adequate amount was repeatedly voiced in the com- of recreation facilities are available munity workshops, focus groups and for all County residents in the future, outreach tools used to inform the an overall level of service standard of development of this Plan. In addi- 5.0 acres per 1,000 residents is now tion, this demand for more parks and recommended. This higher standard other open space will only increase in is needed to compensate for the cur- coming years as greater emphasis is rent and growing deficiency in local placed on the development of denser park acreage. more compact residential develop-

1Bakersfield Metropolitan General Plan: Park Element, ments. Where families have fewer and page XI-2. smaller private yards, there will be 2Bakersfield Metropolitan General Plan: Park Park Ele- ment, page XI-4 a growing need for access to more 3Park and recreational space is defined as mini-parks, neighborhood parks, community park and regional public spaces, including parks, trails parks.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-15 chapter five

for themselves is a sufficient number TABLE 5-2 – CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE/ of acres for park lands. Unfortunately COUNTYWIDE the 2.5 acres per 1,000 standard acts PARK TYPE PARK INVENTORY CURRENT LOS RATIO as a ceiling on new park development IN ACRES (ACRES PER 1000 RESIDENTS) as it obscures the full extent to which Area/Population Served – Countywide/779,100 residents there is a gap between what park- All County Parks 4,702 6.04 lands are available and what the com- Regional Parks 4282 5.50 munity really needs. In recognition Local County Parks 420 0.54 of this problem, the City of Madera Area/Population Served - Unincorporated County areas not part of an independent park district/176,196 residents* recently increased their park standard Local County to 5 acres per 1,000. Other local park Parks outside park 293 1.66 districts and cities districts in Kern County recognize the *Derived from population estimates provided by KernCOG Traffic Model; see insufficiency of the present standard, footnote #1 but are constrained in their capacity to increase their LOS standard as and other open areas. Although 2.5 long as Kern County, the single most acres per thousand might have been dominant provider of parks, remains a sufficient standard between 1950 wedded to the 2.5 acres per 1,000 and 1970, an era of large lot, single standard. family homes, it will prove woefully inadequate as smaller, more compact The current, actual LOS in Kern multi-family developments increas- County varies depending on park ingly become the norm. type and geographic context. By some measures, the County appears In the 1980s and 90s, a commonly to be meeting its current and recom- accepted standard in most communi- mended standards, and in others ties was 10 acres of parks per 1,000 cases it is not. For instance, given a persons. This was viewed as a mini- 2008 estimated countywide popula- mum standard as established by the tion of 779,1004 residents and a total National Recreation and Park Associa- 4 Kern COG Traffic Model is the population data source used for calculating level of service, rather than tion (NRPA). Since that time the NRPA the 2009 population estimates provided by the Cali- has shifted away from specifying a fornia Dept. of Finance, that were referenced in Chap- ter 1. The Kern COG data was more applicable as it specific ratio, placing greater empha- is organized by traffic analysis zones which provide a comprehensive picture of population distribution pat- sis on community self-direction based terns throughout Kern County not only incorporated communities, but also in unincorporated one which on what residents have determined were the focus of this analysis.

V-16 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

park inventory of 4,702.25 acres, the lation these parks are intended to Kern County Parks and Recreation serve, which is not countywide. Third, Department provides over 6 acres of it is recommended that the Parks parkland per 1,000 County residents. Department transfer ownership and This is largely due to the inventory responsibility for local parks currently of regional park acreage, constitut- located within cities and independent ing over 90% of all County parkland park districts to these other juris- acreage. By itself, the LOS for regional dictions. If this recommendation is parks is currently 5.50 acres per thou- carried out, then it is expected that sand residents, which already exceeds the Parks Department will be respon- the recommended LOS. sible for providing local park facilities only to residents living in unincorpo- In contrast, Kern County does not appear to be meeting the recom- TABLE 5-3 - CURRENT L.O.S. BY COMMUNITY mended LOS for local parks. As the AREA 1 total acreage for local parks (both Greater Lake Isabella – 17,509 62 acres 3.54 acres per 1,000 neighborhood and community parks) residents (2009) is only 420.25 acres, the level of ser- Greater Ridgecrest – 13,360 residents 5 acres .37 acres per 1,000 30 acres (including vice for local parks on a countywide Greater Ridgecrest – 13,360 residents 2.25 acres per 1,000 Leroy Jackson) basis is only 0.54 acres per thousand AREA 2 residents. By itself, however, this initial Greater Frazier Park – 9,815 residents 27 acres 2.75 acres per 1,000 LOS figure is misleading. First, it does Greater California City/Mojave – 9987 33 acres 3.30 acres per 1,000 residents not take into account the numerous Greater Rosamond – 8448 residents 10 acres 1.18 acres per 1,000 neighborhood and community parks AREA 3 – GREATER BAKERSFIELD also being provided by local park Metro Southwest -8095 residents 0 acres 0 acres per 1,000 agencies and special recreation and Metro Southeast – 38,122 residents 38acres 1 acre per 1000 park districts that operate throughout Metro Northeast – 55,832 residents 64 acres 1.15 acres per 1,000 Kern County. If this were done, then Metro –North of the River – 1410 0 acres 0 acres per 1,000 residents the actual LOS for local parks would Metro Bakersfield - 95,364 102 acres 1.07 acres per 1,000 be significantly higher, even on a AREA 5 countywide basis. Second, the more Greater Wasco – 3481 residents 7 acres 2 acres per 1,000 relevant LOS for neighborhood and NOTE: Area 4- Taft/Maricopa not included as 90% of area is served by Westside community parks is determined in Recreation and Park District, there are no local County parks located outside park district boundaries, and the population level in this unincorporated/non-park district relation to the specific, local popu- area is very low.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-17 chapter five

rated areas outside independent park TABLE 5-4 PROPOSED PARK LEVEL OF SERVICE AND districts, which in 2009 is estimated to STANDARDS include 176,196 residents.5 There are ALL OF KERN COUNTY – INCORPORATED AND currently 293.25 acres of local parks UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES Additional Park Acres Needed provided by Kern County in these Number Existing Proposed unincorporated areas. The balance Park Type Current 2030 Projected of acres LOS Standard Population Population – of 127 acres of local parks is located (2008) – 779,100 1,292,000 within cities or independent park Regional 1725 additional 4282 5.56 5.0 None needed Parks acres district as summarized in Table 5-7. As UNINCORPORATED AREAS OUTSIDE OF INDEPENDENT PARK DISTRICTS a result, the more meaningful current Park Type Number Existing Proposed 176,1965 240,000 LOS for local parks, given the 293.25 of acres LOS Standard residents (2009) residents (2030) acres of County local parks provided 588 additional 907 additional Local Parks 293 1.66 5.0 acres acres in these unincorporated areas, is 1.66 TOTAL 4575* 588 acres 2632 acres acres per thousand residents. Al- *This total ﬁgure does not include acreage of local parks within cities or independent park districts though still below the current General Plan standard of 2.5 acres per thou- TABLE 5-5: RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF NEW LOCAL sand residents for local parks and the PARKS recommended standard of 5.0 acres PARK SIZE NUMBER OF PARKS TOTAL PARK ACREAGE per thousand, this is far better than 40-acre park 8 320 acres the LOS applied to the entire County 20-acre park 15 300 acres population.

10-acre park 31 290 acres Still, given the tremendous geograph- Total 52 local parks 910 acres ic scale of Kern County, the current LOS of 1.66 acres for local parks can TABLE 5-6: RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF NEW REGIONAL still mask highs and lows that exist PARKS in different areas of the county, as il- PARK SIZE NUMBER OF PARKS TOTAL PARK ACREAGE lustrated in Table 5-2 The current LOS 100 acre park 11 1100 acres in some unincorporated communities 200-acre park 4 800 acres located outside independent park

Total 15 Regional Parks 1800 acres districts, such as those in the Kern River Valley /Greater Isabella (3.54 acres/1000), Greater California City/ 5This amount is a subset of the overall estimated population in 2008 of 294,400 residents living in unincorporated communities of Kern County

V-18 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN policies, goals and actions

Mojave (3.30 acres/1000) or Frazier tain the current LOS and much more Park (2.75 acres/1000) are significantly to achieve the recommend standard TABLE 5.7 higher in comparison with the rest of of 5.0 acres per 1,000 for local parks. KERN COUNTY LOCAL PARKS LOCATED WITHIN CITY OR the County. Of course, this measure 779,100 residents – total population (2009) SPECIAL DISTRICTS - 422,300 projected new development does not take into account the low 127 ACRES 1,201,400 in 2030 density character of many of these • Blanco Little League outlying communities requiring some 176,196 unincorporated (2009) • College Park residents to travel longer distances to 63,804 new development 240,000 in 2030 • Delano Memorial Park reach a “local” park than those who Although the current LOS for regional • Derby Acres Park live in more compact, urban neigh- parks is very close to the recommend- borhoods. Even so this is a valuable • DiGiorgio Park ed standard, given the projected 2030 yardstick, especially when comparing • Fellows Park population of 1,201,400, the County the level of service in different com- • Ford City Park will need to add substantial park acre- munities. In some unincorporated • Lamont Park age to maintain its current LOS for communities, located in fast growing • Panorama Park regional parks, or 1725 acres by 2030. areas in or near the Bakersfield metro- • Rosamond Park politan area, the current LOS of 1.07 Unlike the regional parks, local parks • Valley Acres acres is significantly below both the in the Kern County system must deal current and recommended standards. with both the current deficit relative KERN COUNTY LOCAL An additional 136 acres of new local to the existing population as well as PARKS LOCATED IN parks will be required in these unin- the impact of anticipated population UNINCORPORATED ISLANDS corporated communities near Bakers- growth over the next two decades. If AND/OR ADJACENT TO THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD* field just to bring them in line with the the population in the unincorporated • Belle Terrace Park current General Plan LOS of 2.5 acres areas of Kern County not served by • Case Loma Park per, 178 acres to achieve 3.0 acres per a park district were to remain un- thousand residents, and 375 acres to changed: • Circle Park achieve the recommended 5.0 acres • Heritage Park • an additional 147 acres would be per thousand residents standard. needed to achieve the current 2.5 • Kern Delta Park acres per thousand standard, • Rexland Acres Park 5.5 IMPACT OF POPULATION • 235 acres to achieve 3 acres per • Virginia Avenue Park GROWTH ON LEVEL OF thousand standard and • Wilkins Park SERVICE • 588 acres to achieve the recom- *To maintain consistency with the Kern County CIP, Population growth in Kern County will mended 5 acre per thousand this table does not yet reflect upcoming transfers of County parks to other jurisdictions that are cur- require additional park lands to main- standard. rently in process or are planned for the near future.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | V-19 chapter five

As the population expands in com- As documented above, the County ing years, the need for local parks in will also need additional new regional these unincorporated communities parks and/or would have to expand will grow even further. As the popula- the size of its existing regional parks tion grows: to generate the additional 1725 acres required to keep up with projected • Another 105 acres of new parks will be needed just to maintain the population growth. Again, the ac- current LOS of 1.66 acres per 1,000 tual number of new regional parks residents in unincorporated areas required to achieve this goal will 779,100 residents – total of the County outside of indepen- depend on the size of the parks. One population (2009) dent park districts possible scenario involves a mix of + • To go beyond the current LOS for 100-acre and 200-acre parks. 422,300 projected new local parks and achieve a standard development of 3.0 acres per thousand resi- Although the amount of new park dents, then 427 acres of new local = parks will be required. acreage appears to be high, this is a 1,201,400 in 2030 • The recommended standard of 5 consequence of there being no new acres per 1,000 residents will re- County parks being built for decades 176,196 unincorporated quire 907 acres of new local parks. during what was an extended period (2009) To achieve this additional amount of growth. The expected growth in + of new park acreage a substantial population over the next two decades 63,804 new development number of new local parks will be will further compound the deﬁciency. = required over the next 20 years. A mix Even if the rate of population growth 240,000 in 2030 of 40-acre, 20-acre and 10-acre parks is slower than anticipated due to the would reach this goal as presented in recent economic downturn, the bulk Table 5-5. of the park land deﬁciency will remain and should still be remedied.

V-20 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER SIX

6 implementation and capital improvement plan THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER SIX implementation and capital improvement plan

6.1 OBSERVATIONS deferred maintenance and eventu- KERN IS A COUNTY RICH IN natu- ally reach a level of control over ral and human resources. Together its parks, facilities and resources is these assets have provided the essential. The CIP can provide a sys- foundation for the development of tematic approach for the improve- an extensive County park system ment of existing parks and facilities, well-loved by residents and visi- as well as the development of new tors alike, resulting in near constant parks, that is both cost effective and use. However, the level of financial efficient. Critical factors to consider resources that has been applied to when identifying and prioritizing the operation and maintenance of projects to effectively address cur- the park system does not match this rent and future recreational needs intense usage. Unable to provide in Kern County include: the parks with the financial sup- • The County’s underground infra- port they require to the meet the structure is aged, and documen- growing recreational needs among tation or mapping of it is scarce, residents, the facilities continue missing or doesn’t exist. to degrade directly through wear • The size of the County makes it and tear and benignly through the difficult for staff to monitor and maintain facilities at an accept- County’s inability to upgrade its able level using current stan- assets as new trends and technolo- dards, technology and proce- gies develop. So the cost to the dures. County to remedy these deficien- • The revenue and fee structure cies increases year by year. for the Department of Parks and Recreation is outdated Implementing a capital improve- and doesn’t provide the fund- ment program designed to help ing necessary to meet the basic needs to maintain its assets and the County of Kern catch up on equipment.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-1 chapter six

• The Central Valley of California and team conducted on the ground as- particularly Kern County have been sessments of all County facilities. The severely affected by the current outcome of that process is document- housing and economic downturn and will likely need five to ten ed in the Needs Assessment chapter years to recover. However, growth of this document. Campsite marker in Tehachapi potential is strong for the future Mountain Park and the County must prepare. Some consistent issues emerged from • The County is steward to some of this process throughout the County: the greatest natural resources in • The public held its parks in high the country including wildlife, land esteem. and water. It bears responsibility along with the Bureau of Land • They wanted the County to con- Management, California State centrate on maintaining and im- Parks and the U.S. Forest Service in proving the parks it already owned guarding and protecting these re- and operated rather than build sources for everyone to appreciate. new parks. • Safety and security within the A capital improvement plan is con- parks and for park users was of the sidered major and non-routine and utmost priority. is recognized as new construction, • They supported the concept of or improvements and upgrades to the County partnering with other existing parks and facilities. It should entities to help meet the goals and be viewed as a working document needs of local communities. that will be revised annually to reflect • They saw the role of the County evolving and developing as a changes in the community, and to en- facilitator and conduit to unite sure that individual projects continue various agencies and organizations to meet County and Department to share the responsibilities of goals and initiatives. recreation providers. • They looked to the County as a Process source of information, communica- In determining the recommendation and resources to enable local tions contained in this Chapter, the communities to meet their specific needs and goals. Master Plan Team sought input from the public through interviews of staff Overall Recreation Needs and stakeholders, questionnaires, It was clear from the public meetings telephone surveys, focus groups and that each of the five areas visited had public workshops. In addition, the needs specific to that population and

VI-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

geography. However, some common themes were voiced throughout all areas of the County.

• Requests for trails, trails, and more trails was heard loud and clear, whether for running, hiking, biking or equestrian • Shortage or total lack of playing fields was a common complaint • Lack of facilities and programs to hold the interest of youth and teens was voiced • Shortage or absence of aquatic facilities was a major theme • Lack of indoor facilities to house year-round multi-generational activities was voiced as a growing need. • Though most wildlife throughout Above: Ground squirrel typical of those the County is to be observed and burrowing into turf and ball fields • Lack of play equipment for admired, County assets are under throughout Kern County. 5-12-year-olds in most all the constant attack by ground squir- County parks. Currently, the Parks rels, gophers and rabbits within the and Recreation Department is sys- parks. These animals burrow under tematically removing outdated tot open turf and ball fields often play equipment and in some cases creating deep holes where people, replacing it with new. However, young and old, walk, run and play. limited resources are slowing down They damage wiring and irrigation the process of installing new play lines which cost the County thou- equipment for older children. sands of dollars each year to repair. Recurring Condition Concerns • Parking, traffic and circulation • Years of deferred maintenance has issues were of major concern to taken its toll on parks and built residents as well as staff. These is- facilities. The County Parks and sues played a lesser or greater role Recreation Department is strug- depending on the area, size and gling to catch up on maintenance age of the facility. and repairs, while County resources • Universal access needs to be ad- are further stretched. dressed throughout County facili- • Complaints about poor restroom ties as improvements occur. condition or lack of restroom facilities were universally voiced.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-3 chapter six

Special Area Needs ture needs and share that information The variety of recreation experiences with other departments and agencies. provided in Kern County is unique: camping in mountain forests and 6.2 RECOMMENDED CAPITAL snow play, river rafting and fishing, PROJECTS - OVERVIEW water sports and camping at several The primary recommendation for lakes, bike riding and hiking in the Kern County is to rehabilitate, reno- desert, and riding horses along the vate and modernize existing parks Kern River in Bakersfield. and recreation facilities, as explained in the previous chapter. This is true The residents of each of these regions for both its network of regional parks had needs specific to their climate and the many local, neighborhood and geography parks it provides in unincorporated • Parking and traffic control (Frazier communities throughout Kern County. Park) Improvements to regional parks, such • Dedicated snow play facilities as Hart Memorial Park and the rest of (Frazier Park) the Kern River County Park, are essen- • Indoor facilities (Frazier Park & tial. These are the crown jewels of the Mojave) park system. Also, as recommended • Additional campsites (Bakersfield) in the previous chapter, regional parks • Abuse of trails, habitat and roads should become the primary focus by OHV recreation (Tehachapi & of Kern County, as control of local Mojave) parks is gradually transitioned to local Organizational Systems and park agencies and independent park Standards districts. It is in the interest of Kern County to embrace modern electronic organiza- At the same time, it is critically tional tools and technologies to more important to rehabilitate local parks efficiently and effectively undertake as these assets must be restored to the management of its valuable as- a satisfactory condition before they sets. With new systems in place, man- can be considered transition worthy. agement and staff will have a picture In addition, local parks in unincorpo- of current statistics and conditions, be rated areas outside independent park able to plan more effectively for fu- districts will likely remain a County

VI-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

responsibility for many years before local park organizations in these communities are present and ready to assume that role and responsibility.

Improvements to Existing Regional Facilities A site specific master plan for each regional park in the Kern County system is required. Each park specific plan will evaluate the overall condition of each site, including existing structures, facilities, park grounds and all other assets. The goal of each regional park specific plan will be two-fold: chart a path forward for restoring the park to its original pristine condition, while major regional recreation area will Waterwheel building in Hart Memorial Park also identifying opportunities to re- need to address all six existing com- design and repurpose specific areas ponents, as well as undeveloped sites, to better meet current and future rec- that lie along the banks of the Kern reational needs of County residents. River. One of these six components, Hart Memorial Park, will still require Each park specific master plan will special attention, as it presents an op- provide an opportunity to assess and portunity to restore the vision of the possibly redesign the current layout park’s original founder as an oasis and of each park, to expand recreational playground for the residents of Kern opportunities, to make maintenance County. more efficient, and re-think the overall purpose of each regional park and its The park specific master plans for role within the larger park system. The other regional parks will need to Kern River County Park will require recognize the unique value and contri- special attention given both its his- bution of each facility. For instance, toric significance to the Kern County some regional parks by virtue of their community and its proximity to the location, natural features and related region’s largest population center. offerings, draw visitors from not only The park specific master plan for this all parts of Kern County but from Los

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-5 chapter six

Angeles and beyond. This is most local, community level. Conditions true for Buena Vista Aquatic Rec- in many of these local parks have reation Area, Greenhorn Mountain deteriorated due to years of deferred Park, and Tehachapi Mountain Park. maintenance. Many of the projects Upgrades to these regional recreation required to address this problem are facilities should consider opportuni- summarized in Table 6.3 in the final ties to expand camping and other section of this chapter. recreational facilities to accommo- In many of the outlying communities date a larger number of visitors and MOST OF THE 23 VETERANS, of Kern County, the total acreage and generate additional revenue that can number of local parks appear suf- , COMMUNITY AND be used to enhance operational and SENIORS ficient to serve the existing popula- capital funds. tion. There is still a significant gap, RECREATION BUILDINGS Other regional parks in the County however, in the type and quality of OWNED AND MAINTAINED BY system have been equipped more to recreational facilities offered within serve active and passive recreational these local, community-oriented THE COUNTY ARE BETWEEN needs of residents in their respective parks. As a result, efforts to improve

40 TO 60 YEARS OLD. parts of Kern County, rather than draw these parks should extend beyond visitors from more distant communi- the rehabilitation and restoration of ties. Regional parks in this category – current facilities and park grounds, Lake Woollomes, Leroy Jackson Park, but incorporate significant upgrades and Metropolitan Recreation Center/ in the type and nature of recreational Stramler Park – have a continuing, facilities made available to each com- important role to play in the overall munity. The following is a capsule regional park system, which can be summary of the new facilities needed clarified with the development of park in these communities: specific master plans. Kern River Valley/Lake Isabella Local Park Recommendations • Multi-Use Sports Fields/Facilities In addition to these key regional proj- • Community/Recreation Center (all day) ects, capital improvements recommended in this Master Plan include • Splash Park many projects that meet needs across • Skate Park a wide variety of service areas at the

VI-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

Frazier Park ment over the past several years in • Indoor Multi-Use Community Cen- and near the metropolitan Bakersfield ter, including: area and other high growth commu- Recreation Area/Gym nities. The current Kern County CIP Multi-Generational Program Center identifies a few of these new park and Sports fields for both practice and recreation facility requirements: competition • Metro Bakersfield: 12-acre park • Pedestrian Walkway/Jogging Track near Weedpatch Highway and • Snow Play Facility Redbank Road Mojave • Rosamond: 12-acre park near 100th • Multi-Generational Community/ Street West and Rosamond Boule- Child Care Center vard • Swimming Pool –Attached or • Lebec: 12-acre Park Within Community Center • Glenville: 5-acre Park • Shaded Areas • Kernville: Community Building • Band Stand Given the current population of • Play Areas for Children 176,196 residents in unincorporated Lost Hills areas not served by a park district and • Outdoor Sports Fields (soccer/ a recommended LOS of 5 acres per football) 1,000 residents, Kern County will need • Skate Park 588 acres of new local park acreage • Volleyball Courts (for practice and just to eliminate the current deficit. tournament) This translates into approximately 29 • Basketball Courts new local parks.1 As already described New Local Parks in the preceding chapter, given the Although improving existing regional projected population increase to and local parks is the first priority, Kern 240,000 over the next 20 years in County will eventually have to address these unincorporated communities, the need for new local parks in those Kern County will need to develop parts of the County that are currently approximately another 23 new local underserved. These are primarily parks on top of the 29 required to ad- those unincorporated areas that have dress the current deficit. In effect, 52 experienced significant new develop- new parks will be needed in total both 1Five 40-acre parks, fifteen 20-acre parks, and nine 10-acre parks.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-7 chapter six

to eliminate the current deficit and should receive a park that is less than avoid falling behind as the popula- the desired standard for park con- tion grows over the next 20 years. The struction. The Department should de- need for new regional parks is not velop a formal park design standards urgent at this time, although there will manual to inform the development be a need for additional regional park process, and staff should have final acreage as the county-wide popula- approval of all proposed plans prior tion of Kern County grows over the to construction. The County should next two decades. also have final approval during the construction process. Table 6-1 out- To help achieve and then maintain lines design standards Kern County this standard, new subdivision devel- can utilize to develop a framework for opments within Kern County should the manual. be required to meet these local community park needs. Development The Department is encouraged to projects should construct new parks work with developers in planning and and dedicate them to the County fully building parks for turn-key develop- developed. This method of park de- ment. During the planning stage, velopment is noted as “turn-key” and the Department should consider the is in lieu of taking fees, while ensuring services that will be required and the that parks will be completed as the standard of maintenance the park will subdivision is built out. need. The developer providing the park should meet all the requirements Accepting turn-key parks from a outlined by the County including but developer does not mean the County

VI-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

not limited to irrigation systems, play equipment, park amenities, and land- TABLE 6-1: GENERAL DESIGN STANDARDS FOR TURN-KEY PARKS scaping and plant materials. Upon REQUIREMENT STANDARD receiving the completed park the Acceptance Project approval requires that project credits, envi- Department is responsible for main- ronmental review, and regulatory specifications are taining the facility; therefore the park accepted. Design Approval should meet appropriate standards to Park design meets current needs and desires of the community; approved by County (at 35%, 75%, &100%) ensure the sustainability of the park with staff signature block on final plans. and enjoyment by visitors. Play Equipment Play equipment manufacturer provided; County approves type, style, placement, and color. Buildings and Built Facilities: Park Amenities Park amenity standards provided; County approves benches, tables, trash cans, drinking fountains, and Most of the 23 veterans, seniors, shade structures. community and recreation buildings Irrigation System Irrigation system standards provided; County approves owned and maintained by the County manufacturer, type, design, and system controls. Plant Materials Plant material recommended; meets County guidelines are between 40 to 60 years old. All of and maintenance standards them are in various degrees of use. All Sport & Fitness Features Sport and fitness features clearly defined; manufacturer, of them are in various degrees of con- features type, style dition. And all of them have one thing Construction Construction inspection and approval by County; grad- ing, installation, concrete, ADA, equipment, warranty in common: Though roofs have been period repaired or replaced and rooms and exteriors have been painted, basic in- role for the communities in which they frastructure, that is, HVAC equipment, are located. By providing an essential ceiling and floor materials, plumbing, venue in which community service electrical wiring, lighting and ADA organizations can provide needed access, has not been improved or services, these public buildings make upgraded since these buildings were an immeasurable contribution to the first built. quality of life of many County residents. Meanwhile, these facilities still The County provides staff and main- continue to constitute a significant tenance for these facilities which are drain on County financial resources. used largely by non-profit organizations for $25 per year. Although this In an effort to resolve this dilemma, amount is insufficient to recover the County has in the past considered ongoing maintenance and operational increasing or amending the use of costs, the County recognizes that rental fees for these buildings. Due these buildings serve an invaluable to County Code and in some cases

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-9 chapter six

the circumstances in which these VII of this Plan. Second, even where a TABLE 6-2 buildings were acquired, there are transfer of ownership is not feasible, DESIGN FEATURES NOT constraints on the capacity of the the County should investigate who ELIGIBLE FOR PARK CREDIT County to implement a fee increase. else can maintain these facilities on Consider limiting or disallow- Even if the County were free to raise their behalf. If that is the case, con- ing park credit for community or these fees, it is unlikely to do so as tractual arrangements with local city subdivision design features which do not provide recreational func- some will argue that higher fees will park departments, park districts or tions. (It is the policy of the City discourage many community service other organizations should be estab- of Bakersfield to limit credit for organizations from using these facili- lished for that purpose. certain design features.) ties, in effect negating the very reason Due to the underlying infrastructure Design features not eligible to re- why these buildings exist to serve ceive park credit may include, but problems inherent in most of these County residents. are not limited to, the following: public buildings, however, the County • Planning area edges. To mitigate the financial losses being will still need a long term strategy to • Landscaped community or incurred, it is essential the County resolve these difficulties and protect subdivision entries or medians. explore more efficient and effective these assets for the future. Such a • Meandering streams, fountains ways of managing this resource, so plan will likely include a variety of op- or other water features these public buildings can continue in tions, including acquiring the financial • Paseos, greenbelts, trails, the future to serve the local communi- resources needed to rehabilitate and walkways, setbacks and other similar features that are used ties in which they are located. Given renovate these buildings, identify- for transportation and are not geographic proximity to these building possible alternative sites that destinations in and of them- ings, local jurisdictions or other orga- could serve as replacement facilities, selves. nizations may be in a better position and where feasible constructing new • Streetscapes to maintain them at a lower cost than facilities. In some instances, due to • Slopes greater than 3:1 the County. First, as several of these the years of neglect, the cost of new • Easements facilities are situated within local com- facilities may prove less than the reha- • Sites with an average gradient munity parks located within cities or bilitation of the existing structures. of more than 5% (rough grade). independent park districts, there is • Sites with drainage structures Even where it is determined that a the potential to transfer ownership (box channels, swales, etc.) de- public building cannot be cost-effec- signed for less than a 10-year and control of these parks, including tively rehabilitated, a strategy for retir- storm event. these public buildings, to these other ing the building can be implemented jurisdictions. This recommendation, to address the needs of current users as it applies to these local parks, is of that facility. An overall strategy is discussed in more detail in Chapter outlined here:

VI-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

• Undertake a study to determine offering to expand existing build- costs to operate and maintain each ings to accommodate higher usage TABLE 6.3 building owned, operated and share joint development of new maintained by the County. Include facilities, e.g., library, school, police REMOVE OUTDATED PLAY EQUIPMENT in the study the number of people and ﬁre stations, Boys & Girls Clubs served by each building and the • Boron Park cost per capita laid out for each donating land for new develop- user. Then determine the percent- ment of recreation facilities by • Buena Vista Aquatic Recre- ation Area age of resources each community private developers or commercial receives through operating that operators of recreational facilities • College Park building. • Once building uses have been • Delano Memorial Park relocated to other facilities, the • Determine an acceptable and • Derby Acres Park agreed upon per capita expendi- County can consider several op- • Di Georgio Park ture for each resident and allocate tions to retire the buildings, includ- resources throughout the County in ing: demolition, sales, donation, • Ford City Park renovation, or other options. an equitable fashion. • Frazier Park

• Based on the number of people 6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS BY • Greenfield Park who use each building, determine CATEGORY • Hart Memorial Park whether in each local area another facility owned by a local organi- The recommendations that follow are • Inyokern Park zation, agency or city might be both broad and detailed in nature. • Kern River Group Picnic Area adequate to accommodate those They cover short- and long-range • Kern River Park & Camp- uses. On a case by case basis, work goals and may be a restatement of ground to create a joint use agreement • Lake Ming with the users and the local facil- recommendations found in other ity to transfer the use to the local sections of this document where they • Lamont Park building thus allowing the County may have a different context or ap- • No. Edwards Park to close down its facility. plication. • Riverside Park • When no other facility exists to • Rosamond house the uses currently taking Recommendations that incur capital • Valley Acres Park place in the County’s facility, the costs will be addressed in Chapter County should aggressively seek to VIII – funding options and recommen- negotiate the transfer of its build- dations. Cost associated with normal ing to the local entity. If this is not possible, the County should seek maintenance will be given a priority opportunities for joint use with according to the availability of funds existing facilities such as schools, to complete each project. libraries, fire stations, non-profit organizations, such as the Elks, Lions, These recommendations have been Boys & Girls Clubs, etc. These joint grouped into categories that repre- use agreements might include

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-11 chapter six

sent the broad topics voiced by the control of feral cat population, TABLE 6.4 residents who participated in the current and future irrigation needs, possible repurposing and rede- RENOVATE OR REPLACE various community outreach efforts RESTROOM BUILDINGS sign of some areas of the park, conducted in the five areas of the drainage issues, improvement of • Belle Terrace Park County: park entrance, opportunities for • Boron Park revenue, and preservation of park • Improve Existing Parks. ecosystem and wildlife. • Buttonwillow Park • Build New Parks and Facilities • Develop Site Master Plans for all • Casa Loma Park Where Needed. other regional parks in the Kern • Di Georgio Park • Increase, Improve and Protect County park system. • Ford City Park Trails Throughout the County. • Install play areas and equipment • Greenfield Park • Improve Safety and Security in for 5-12 year-olds in County parks • Inyokern Park Parks. where there is already 2-5 tot play equipment and there is sufficient • Kern River Group Picnic Area • Continue Stewardship of the Natu- ral and Cultural Resources in Kern space for equipment and fall • Kern River Park & Campground County. zones. • Lake Wollomes • Create Financial Sustainability for • Remove all outdated play equip- • Leroy Jackson Park Parks. ment that does not meet current ASTM standards and CPSC stan- • Lost Hills Park • Provide Support for Local Recre- dards, and as funds become avail- • Mojave East Park ational Programs. able replace with equipment that • No. Edwards Park • Promote Public Awareness and is current with recreation trends Support. appropriate for each age group. • Sam Lynn Ballpark • Virginia Avenue Park • Encourage Building Community • Update outdated group and family Partnerships. picnic shelters with reservable/ • Wofford Heights • Provide County Staff with the rentable shelters as needed. Materials, Education and Technol- • Evaluate all existing parks on a ogy They Need to Do Their Jobs regular basis and identify those Effectively. sites that require a new site master plan, site enhancements, renova- Improve Existing Parks tion and/or improvements. • Address the list of recommendations in Table 6.3 to 6.6. • Seek a solution to the feral cat situation in Hart Memorial Park. Cre- • Develop a Site Master Plan for ate a public campaign designed to Kern River County Park, including discourage dumping of cats and Hart Memorial Park, to evaluate establish relocation and/or adop- current and future use, upgrade tion of cats. Create partnerships roads and trails, examine plant- with organizations sharing same ings, preserve historical elements, interest.

VI-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

Build New Parks and Facilities Where Needed • Mandate that all new residential development within the unincorporated County area include park land dedication of at least 5 acres per 1000 residents.

• Ensure that new parks be developed according to the design criteria set by the County. • Require proposed park locations to be reviewed by County Parks and Recreation Department and the Planning Commission prior to Board of Supervisors action on acquisition, dedication or acceptance of parkland, open space and trails. Identify community / subdivision and undeveloped, although re- Above: Kern County Soccer Park design features that are ineligible development or reconstruction op- for park credit. portunities should be considered as well. • Mandate that all parks completed by developers be maintained by Avoid land that requires extensive TABLE 6.5 the developer for a period of one hazardous material clean up. How- year, at which point they will turn ever, land that has already been CONSIDER DEVELOPMENT ownership of the park to the Coun- cleaned up may be highly desirable OF UNUSED PARK ACREAGE ty of Kern, pending approval by the for recreation and park uses. • Buena Vista Aquatic Recre- County of the park’s condition. Increase, Improve and Protect Trails ation Area • Consider requiring that any land throughout the County • College Park identified for possible parkland • Improve walkways, paths and trails • Greenhorn Mountain Park possess the following attributes: in existing parks to accommodate • Kern Delta Park Land acquisition for park purposes circulation and accessibility. • Kern River County Park must be of minimum size to serve • Look for opportunities to link local the purpose it is intended to serve, trails to regional trail systems. • Lake Isabella Park i.e. if a neighborhood needs sports • Give priority to developing a • Leroy Jackson Park fields, the park size should be large county-wide Trails Master Plan. • Onyx Park enough to accommodate the fields The purpose of a Trails Master Plan without sacrificing area for standard • Techachapi Mountain Park would be to promote awareness of neighborhood park amenities. existing trails, set trail standards, • Mojave West Park Parcels should preferably be vacant map trails, formalize and name ex-

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-13 chapter six

isting trails, identify connections to California state water requirements regional and national trail systems, and regulations. establish directional, interpre- • Seek a solution to the feral cat tive and informational signage to situation which has disrupted the encourage visitors to Kern County natural ecology of Hart Memorial to use its trail system, encourage Park. developers to build new trails and promote protection of existing • Pursue opportunities to support trails. Such a Trails Master Plan local organizations dedicated to would build upon and incorporate the preservation and interpretation existing trail plans, such as those of significant archeological sites, SEEK A SOLUTION TO THE derived from the Kern River Plan including “rock art” (petroglyphs) Element of the General Plan, as and other artifacts that have been FERAL CAT SITUATION WHICH well as other existing trails and discovered in Kern County. plans for new trails at the local HAS DISRUPTED THE NATURAL Create Financial Sustainability for and regional level, and even those Parks trails that traverse Kern County ECOLOGY OF HART MEMORIAL • Update outdated group and family at the interstate level, the Pacific picnic shelters with reservable/ Crest Trail. PARK. rentable shelters as needed. Improve Safety and Security in • Seek opportunities to build in rev- Parks enue generation when renovating • Identify parks that have ongoing parks or building new facilities. security, vandalism and graffiti • Where new planting is required, issues and increase patrols and look for opportunities to establish ranger visibility in the area. native plants and plant families • Post signs that prohibit illicit be- that require little or no water once havior in the parks. established.

Continue Stewardship of the • Encourage the development of Natural and Cultural Resources in private and commercial recreation Kern County. facilities under leases or conces- • Where new planting is required, sion agreements where such facili- look for opportunities to establish ties are consistent with planned native plants and plant families development and offer expanded that require little or no water once recreation opportunities to the established. public. • Undertake a County-wide review of When developing recreation park irrigation systems and make facilities, the design could include modiﬁcations to upgrade equip- opportunities to generate revenue ment and infrastructure for efﬁcient from admission, asset manage- water usage and to meet new ment, user fees and possibly parking.

VI-14 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

Recommend, when appropriate,fee with private operators of recreation schedules for programs and uses facilities such as Batting Cages, that cover costs, including an ap- Sports Field Complexes, Dance propriate percentage of fees to Studios, Fitness/Health Centers, cover overhead should be consid- Community Theatres, and Gymna- ered. siums. Prior to development, seek to Promote Public Awareness and identify staffing requirements and Support operational and maintenance costs • As time and resources permit of recreation facilities to adequate- continue to conduct meaningful, ly plan for future budget consider- highly visible, community volunteer ations. recognition programs that allow • Facility Needs Ratio Policies: An- the Board of Supervisors the op- nually review, during the County’s portunity to express their apprecia- budget process, the recreation tion for citizen volunteer efforts. facility needs presented in this • Consider attempting to capitalize Master Plan in order to ensure the on obtaining volunteers from orga- County is meeting the current and nizations that require community future recreational demands of its service projects from members. residents. Volunteers could be recruited from As part of the annual budget pro- Scouts working on high honors as cess, explore all available opportu- well as from high school students nities to meet or reduce the deficit needing community service hours of Recreation and Park facilities as to graduate or go to college. shown in this Master Plan. • Try to communicate with and solicit As new facilities come on line, feedback regularly from the com- update the inventory of recreation munity. facilities presented in this Master • Continue the enhancement of the Plan. County website as a useful tool to • Pursue implementation of an Asset promote participation in recreation Management Program allowing and community service programs for the generation of supplemen- that are offered throughout local tal revenue to offset the cost of communities. maintaining and operating the park • Seek out and encourage the provi- system. sion of volunteer assistance from • Provide Support for Local Recre- civic organizations, special interest ational Programs groups, and individuals to provide • Explore opportunities to lease program leadership or facility de- land, provide conduit financing velopment to augment recreation or develop joint use agreements opportunities.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-15 chapter six

Encourage Building Community Strategic Plan that could allow for Partnerships development of new projects to • As time and resources permits, meet the needs of both entities. pursue review of the existing joint • Look for ways to continue to allow use agreements with school dis- opportunities for corporations, lo- tricts to improve and expand the cal businesses and private donors County’s ability to provide more to make tax deductible donations recreation facilities for residents. for major Capital Projects. Approach issues with the school • Coordinate the location, planning, districts that would expand an and functional uses of all recre- agreement to include reciprocal ation and park facilities with af- no-fee use policies and possible fected local governmental entities development of recreation facilities and where feasible, promote joint on school properties. The facilities acquisition and/or development could be used by schools during to assure effective coverage of all the day and County or community needs. programs after school and evenings. These facilities could include • Develop a consistent system for sport courts, lighted ball fields, determining credit for private gymnasiums, theatres, and swim- parks and recreation expenditures. ming pools. Follow the guidelines and stan- • Encourage County and school dards contained in County Code district staff to meet at least for determining what credit shall quarterly to discuss maintenance be given to developers for private and operations issues. Meeting parks and recreation expenditures minutes should be typed up and made to improve public parks distributed to all participants to within their proposed develop- allow for quick identification of any ments. possible misunderstandings. The Provide County Staff with minutes should also identify issues the Materials, Education and and items requiring further follow Technology They Need to Do Their up. Jobs Effectively. • Explore opportunities to work with • Develop a Park Review Standards local and/or State Park and Recre- Manual that sets criteria for observation agencies to develop multi- ing and recording the condition of purpose fields on county regional park amenities and equipment on facilities to satisfy some of the a stated schedule. demands for sports fields • Monitor and review all play equip- • Approach the County Library De- ment on a regular basis as pre- partment regarding possible joint scribed in the Park Review Stan- interests expressed in the County’s dards Manual and replace as need.

VI-16 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN implementation and capital improvement plan

• Establish a system to monitor all park trees and schedule prudent removal, replacement and pruning or treatment as needed to insure the health of the trees. • Undertake a County-wide review of park irrigation systems and make modifications to upgrade equipment and infrastructure for efficient water usage and to meet new California state water requirements these criteria, the Kern County Parks and regulations. Interesting, but outdated play equipment • Educate maintenance staff about and Recreation Department can make the specialized needs and care of decisions about which projects should native plants. move forward first in alignment with • Strongly consider the establish- the goals and priorities put forth in ment of a county-wide GIS system this Master Plan. to inventory and maintain all parks’ elements: trees, furnishings, such • Consistent with Master Plan: as benches, tables, trash cans, Implementation strategies must be BBQs, etc., buildings, play equip- consistent with the goals and poli- ment, backstops, goals, etc. Once cies outlined in the Master Plan. established, the data could be • Restores, preserves or enhances used to monitor condition, age, assets: The County should strive scheduled maintenance, use of to ensure that it protects its past resources, etc. investment in the park system by restoring, preserving and enhanc- Parks Master Plan Projects ing existing park and recreational Prioritization Criteria facilities. Facility upgrades and All projects discussed within this Mas- renovations have a higher impor- ter Plan assist in meeting Plan goals tance when compared to other and recommendations. However, developments, at least in the first given the County’s limited financial five years of this Plan. resources, most of these projects can- • Expands recreation opportunities: Projects that provide more not be implemented in the immedi- opportunities for people to be- ate future. Once additional funding come involved in recreational op- is obtained, however, the County will portunities, such as those that can need a set of criteria to help prioritize satisfy unmet needs in developed and rank future projects. By applying areas of the County, should be emphasized.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VI-17 chapter six

• Leverage available resources: In given to ensure that improvement order to conserve and maximize projects are distributed equitably available resources, implementa- throughout all unincorporated tion strategies should provide areas where the County is the pri- for efficient use of public funds mary or sole provider of parks and in a way that provides maximum recreation facilities. benefit with limited resources. • Encourages entrepreneurial and Turn-key park development and revenue-generating opportuni- projects that have the potential to ties: Projects that will enable the be funded through grants, dona- County to generate additional tions, or partner contributions revenue either on its own or in should receive higher priority than partnership with private organiza- projects without other funding options, while expanding the scope portunities. and variety of recreational oppor- • Provides the “biggest bang for tunities for residents, should be the buck:” Projects where the encouraged. cost/benefit ratio is favorable • Improves maintenance efficiency: should have a high priority. In other Projects that improve maintenance words, projects that are less costly efficiency or that will reduce life-cy- but serve a broader population are cle costs should be given priority. desired. Guard shack at entrance to one of Kern • Ensures equitable distribution: River County Park’s campgrounds Priority consideration should be

VI-18 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER SEVEN

7 organizational reform of county park system THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER SEVEN organizational reform of county park system

IMPLEMENTING THE MANY and that such changes will depend recommendations outlined in this on both inter-agency cooperation Master Plan to achieve the vision as well as partnerships with the of an improved countywide park local communities in which these system will be a major undertaking. parks are located. It will be even more of a challenge to carry out this plan if the same or- 7.1 CHANGES IN THE ganizational and financial tools that INSTITUTIONAL AND FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT contributed to the problems now FOR PARKS AND plaguing the park system are relied RECREATION upon unchanged as the primary The Kern County Parks and Rec- means for bringing about these reation Department was estab- Top: Portion of wall graphic from Focus needed park improvements. lished in 1952 to create, manage Group in Tehachapi First and foremost both local and and operate an expansive system Below: Study groups during workshop in Lake Isabella regional parks require a specific, of regional and local parks for a dedicated funding source for maintenance and operations. Second, this will require a new institutional framework for the delivery of parks and recreation services in Kern County; one that can facilitate the establishment of a sustainable revenue base, while also ensuring those services are provided efficiently and cost-effectively. The following makes the case for why such organizational changes are needed to maintain a quality park system,

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-1 chapter seven

county in land area that is the third County and the local park agencies largest in California. The Depart- and independent districts represents ment now manages an extensive a significant priceless legacy inherited system of seven regional parks, 41 by the current generation, but one local/neighborhood parks, a regional that has become increasingly difficult recreation area and 26 public build- to sustain both operationally and ings. The park system managed by fiscally. This is especially true for the Kern County is complemented by an County park system. Over the past equally extensive system of 48 parks several decades as public finance and managed at the local level by seven organizational realities in California municipal park departments and nine changed dramatically at all levels of independent park districts. Together, government, the basic financial and this countywide park system of county organizational structure underpin- and locally managed parks now ning the Kern County park system serves the park and recreation needs remained largely unchanged. In the of over 809,000 residents living in the post-Proposition 13 and Education widely diverse urban and small rural Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) communities scattered across 8,703 climate, it has been increasingly dif- square miles of desert, mountain and ficult for counties across California to valley landscapes. fully control their major fiscal resources. The impact has been particularly Layers of planting at Panorama Park This extensive system of regional and severe for park systems that, like Kern local parks managed both by Kern

VII-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN organizational reform of county park system

County’s rely primarily on the county General Fund to support both capital and operational needs. Despite their popularity with the public, parks and recreation programs cannot compete effectively for increasingly scarce public resources when other vital county obligations in areas of public safety, health and human services are also in need. The physical and programmatic con- sequences stemming from this shift in public revenue streams have worked their way gradually but relentlessly throughout the County park system. Over time the effects of this persistent erosion have become increasingly new communities in need of parks Kern County is a mixture of varying terrains, climates and needs. visible to park visitors, but especially have emerged in unincorporated older residents who can recall what areas of the County that have expe- parks like Hart Memorial Park were rienced significant growth, especially like when they were young. One of in the Bakersfield metropolitan area. ONE OF THE FIRST CASUALTIES the first casualties of this competition This failure to provide new parks has OF THIS COMPETITION FOR for increasingly scarce resources oc- occurred in spite of measures in the General Plan that were established curred when the County Parks Depart- INCREASINGLY SCARCE RESOURCES ment was forced by the new fiscal to help finance the development of OCCURRED WHEN THE COUNTY realities to abandon its recreation new parks by requiring, “developers of new residential subdivisions…to programs. Over the years, despite the PARKS DEPARTMENT WAS FORCED herculean efforts of an increasingly dedicate land and/or pay fees in lieu strained County park staff, the basic of dedication for the acquisition and BY THE NEW FISCAL REALITIES infrastructure of both its regional and development of recreational facili- TO ABANDON ITS RECREATION local/neighborhood parks has gradu- ties which directly serve the needs of the subdivision1.” In addition, as ally declined, as described elsewhere PROGRAMS. in this document. Moreover, no new stated in the General Plan, it has been County parks have been developed the policy of the County to “seek to 1Kern County General Plan – Land Use, Open Space, since the 1980s, even though many and Conservation Element, page 24.”

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-3 chapter seven

COUNTY PARKS LOCATED IN provide recreational facilities where together to achieve key results. This OTHER JURISDICTIONS deficiencies have been identified,” desire for increased cooperation and but given limited financial resources coordination between all jurisdictions KERN COUNTY LOCAL PARKS LOCATED WITHIN CITY OR for new park development, it has not in Kern County with park and recre- SPECIAL DISTRICTS - been able to do so. ation responsibilities was expressed 156 ACRES in many different ways, but was based • Blanco Little League 7.2 THE NEED FOR on the shared sense that the current • College Park REGIONAL COOPERATION system of overlapping roles and re- • Delano Memorial Park During the same period, however, sponsibilities was not the best way to • Derby Acres Park constraints in public finance have utilize scarce public resources. • DiGiorgio Park spawned innovative financial and A related parallel theme also • Fellows Park organizational solutions elsewhere emerged among community mem- • Ford City Park in California at both the county and bers, especially those residing in • Heritage Park city level. Many of these solutions unincorporated parts of the county • Kern Delta Park are predicated on the reality that no not within any independent park • Lamont Park single public or private organization is district. Residents in these outlying equipped by itself to fulfill its man- • Panorama Park small communities expressed a desire date, but must work in partnership • Rosamond Park to achieve a greater degree of control with other agencies in both the public • Valley Acres over their local parks, recognizing and private sectors to adequately that the County was doing all it could meet its commitments. Some of these and in the gap seeing both a need KERN COUNTY LOCAL lessons may be applicable to Kern PARKS LOCATED IN and an opportunity to do more. In County, especially as they dovetail UNINCORPORATED ISLANDS these communities there is already a AND/OR ADJACENT TO THE with observations made by many strong tradition of volunteerism and CITY OF BAKERSFIELD* County residents during the Master a history of informal partnerships with • Belle Terrace Park Plan community outreach process. the County Parks and Recreation De- • Case Loma Park Community Desire for Change partment. These joint arrangements • Circle Park During the planning process, a clear between local volunteer groups and • Rexland Acres Park and persistent theme of discussion the County Parks Department have • Virginia Avenue Park among community members, Depart- successfully led to needed improve- • Wilkins Park ment staff, and staff from local park ments in local parks that the com- *To maintain consistency with the Kern County CIP, this table does not yet reflect upcoming transfers agencies was the need for the many munity not only desired but played an of County parks to other jurisdictions that are currently in process or are planned for the near future. agencies in Kern County to work active direct role in making happen.

VII-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN organizational reform of county park system

Given these successful community local park agencies or independent “barn-raising” experiences, there is park districts. (See table on facing a growing sense that more could be page for a list of local County parks done locally, but not knowing how to located in other jurisdictions.) 2 It stat- organize themselves or how to fund ed that this transfer of responsibility such local efforts. should occur “upon a park’s annexation into a special district or incorpo- Adapting to Changing Conditions rated city.” This shift in the control and New Opportunities of local parks from the County Parks Taken together two themes suggests Department to local entities, “avoids there is a strong desire to maximize expenditures of County general fund resources for parks and recreation not monies for the beneﬁt of people living only through greater cooperation and within an incorporated city”. Where coordination between all park agen- these transfers have taken place, it has cies at the County and local level, but enabled the County to more effec- also between the County Parks and tively focus its limited resources on re- Recreation Department and the local gional parks and the delivery of local communities it serves. As a result, parks in unincorporated areas of the there is an opportunity for the County county that lie outside any indepen- government and its Parks Department dent park district. The current Gen- to rethink and reorganize its role in eral Plan more broadly emphasizes the delivery of parks and recreation the principle that the County should services and by doing so be able to “provide recreation opportunities for more effectively address some of the all citizens while avoiding duplication key problems it has long faced. between jurisdictions.”3 In this regard, it is interesting to note Avoiding this duplication between that the 1990 Recreation Element, jurisdictions by shifting in control to which was superseded in the 2004 2“The maintenance of local parks should be trans- General Plan Update, stated the ferred from the County to the cities and special districts in which they are located. Local parks should County should work with local agen- be transferred to the appropriate entity which provides recreational services upon a park’s annexation into a cies to turn over management and special district or incorporated city. The transference control of local parks and park facili- of such facilities avoids expenditure of County general fund monies for the beneﬁt of people living within an ties, especially where these facilities incorporated city.”- 1990 Recreation Element, page.21. 3Kern County General Plan – Land Use, Open Space, are located within the jurisdictions of and Conservation Element: Public Facilities and Ser- vices: Goal #8, page 19.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-5 chapter seven

local park agencies has only partially a dedicated funding source for parks occurred and as a result the County and recreation services, providing the remains saddled with too many local resources needed to improve existing parks and park buildings it can no parks and build new ones, without longer afford to adequately support. having to compete for those funds This is largely due to limitations in from other vital County obligations. Play equipment in DiGeorgio Park showing current institutional arrangement for Achieving the recommendations need for maintenance and repair delivery of park services and fiscal described in Chapters V and VI will constraints at both the County and lo- be a major undertaking for any parks cal level. Although the County can no and recreation provider, but especially longer afford to adequately maintain, so in Kern County given its extensive much less rehabilitate, these facilities geographic area, with so many widely neither can the local city park depart- different communities scattered ments and park districts in which across it, and the severe financial these parks are located, so they have difficulties it now faces because of understandably been reluctant to ac- the recent economic downturn. As cept these assets from the County. the jurisdiction responsible for the area as a whole, however, the County 7.3 REGIONAL PARKS AND RECREATION AUTHORITY government is in a position to take on a more focused and effective role in To more effectively address this and providing park and recreation services a host of other related issues, it is across the county. The current organi- a primary recommendation of this zational and financial model no longer plan that the County in cooperation fits contemporary realities, has not with other local park agencies pursue done so for some time, and needs to the creation of a new regional park be reformed if the park system itself and recreation authority. This new is to be successfully enhanced for the institutional framework for the deliv- benefit of Kern County residents. ery of park and recreation services in Kern County would create a path There are several ways that this entity forward for resolving what previously could be created and empowered to had seemed to be insurmountable make key improvements to the park problems. One of the potential ben- and recreation systems efits would be the establishment of

VII-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN organizational reform of county park system

Form benefit assessment districts, such as There are a variety of organizational a landscape and lighting district. This and legal forms that this new author- funding mechanism permits public ity could assume. For the long term, agency to assess housing units or land the best form to suit the needs of parcels for a variety of services. The Kern County is the independent park assessment revenues can be used for district. An independent park district park land acquisition, development is a special district with its own board and/or maintenance. The agency can of directors (typically made up of choose to use the revenue gener- five members). In some cases, board ated on a pay-as-you-go basis or can members are elected from the area sell bonds in order to receive a lump served by the district, but in others sum amount. The bonds are then enabling legislation has required that paid back from the annual revenues the county supervisors govern the dis- generated from the assessment. tricts ex officio. This board sets policy Establishment of a district requires a and provides guidance for agency simple majority vote of property own- staff. ers based on a weighted ballot. Once approved, the benefit assessment dis- Examples of other countywide inde- trict would continue for as long as the pendent park districts established in services and facilities are provided, California with voter approval are: although the assessment can later be • Los Angeles County Regional Park repealed or reduced by popular vote. and Open Space District Examples of the funding base for • Marin County Open Space District other countywide independent park • Napa County Regional Park and districts include: Open Space District • The Los Angeles County Regional • Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District was ap- and Open Space District proved by voters in 1992 as part of Funding Proposition A, which also authorized an annual assessment on 2.25 A park district can secure funding for million parcels of real property in capital and operations in a variety the County. It funded $540 mil- of ways. A park district has taxa- lion for the acquisition, restoration and bonding authority, subject tion or rehabilitation of parks and recreation facilities throughout to voter approval, and can create the County. Another $319 million

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-7 chapter seven

was approved by County voters in Responsibilities 1996, including funds for mainte- The new regional park and recre- nance and servicing of facilities. ation authority should take on all • In 1991, the Riverside County regional-scale projects within Kern Regional Park and Open Space County. Control of existing regional Department became the Riverside County Park and Open Space Dis- parks, including those now owned by trict. One of the primary reasons the County government, should be for the creation of the district was turned over to the regional authority. to help stabilize funding through The regional authority could contract the establishment of a benefit assessment. A property tax al- with the Kern County Parks Depart- location, along with user fees and ment for ongoing operations and charges, provides the primary maintenance of park services, either funding base for the District. on an interim or permanent basis. If • Although Orange County Parks the former option, then eventually the is now a department within Or- Kern County Parks Department, its ange County government, it was originally established as a Special staff and all its functions, would transi- District receiving a dedicated tion to the new authority. property tax allocation. Even after the County dissolved the former The regional authority would be spe- District in 1988, Orange County cifically responsible for the following: Parks (then called Harbors, Beach- es and Parks) retained its dedicat- • Improvements to existing regional ed property tax allocation. facilities • Development of new regional Park districts can also contract with parks agencies to provide park and rec- • Regional trail development reation services. One challenge to • Assistance in local park improve- adding dedicated park and recre- ments, including some consulting ation funding will be the perception and some financing of double charging for park services. • Open space acquisition in key Many Kern County residents, those areas to protect key natural and living in cities or existing local park cultural resources in Kern County districts, will already be paying addi- • Supporting recreation program- tional property taxes or fees for local ming delivered by local public and parks within their communities. Re- private providers. gional funding will need to be clearly • Serving as a regional facilitator, advocate and resource for parks differentiated from local funding and recreation services

VII-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN organizational reform of county park system

7.4 CONCURRENT NEED FOR Just as there are a variety of organiza- LOCAL CONTROL OF PARKS tional and legal forms for a regional At the same time there is a need park authority, the same is true for for greater regional cooperation more locally-based, sub-regional among all park and recreation provid- park and recreation organizations. ers in Kern County, there is also an The eight existing independent park expressed desire for more commu- districts in Kern County constitute a nity oversight of park and recreation long-standing model that could be services at the local level. This is replicated again in areas like Frazier especially true in some small commu- Park and other mountain communi- nities located in unincorporated areas ties, the Kern River Valley and Mojave. of the county not within the jurisdic- Other organizational possibilities tion of an independent park district. include a county service area, com- These unincorporated communities munity service district (such as the have been entirely dependent on the one now in Rosamond) and a public County for their local parks. Given utility district among other legal forms that County park resources have been outlined in the California Code. A stretched for some time maintaining school district or other existing public an extensive but antiquated park in- authorities can also jointly establish a frastructure, these local communities local community system for providing have borne the brunt of many of the recreation services and parks. Also, shortfalls that have occurred. just as the regional park authority will require the concurrent establish- To address these problems, many of ment of a benefit assessment district these local communities have worked to ensure the financial viability of the informally as volunteers with the authority, the same or similar financ- County Parks Department to make ing mechanism will be needed for the needed improvements to their local local park districts. parks on a case-by-case basis. Now, however, these same local leaders and The development of a regional park community groups are beginning to authority may address many of the look for other more long-term ways to deficiencies that now concern these organize themselves to support their local communities, eliminating the local parks. need for more locally-based park districts. However, these new local park

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-9 chapter seven

districts could also work in partner- division of roles and responsibilities ship with a regional park authority, should be relatively simple to estab- AS THE AGENCY WITH THE especially in the rehabilitation of local lish. parks as a prelude for shifting control BROADEST COVERAGE IN The following describes a general of these local parks from the regional outline for the regional park authority KERN COUNTY, THE COUNTY park authority to new local indepen- and its relationship to other park and dent park districts. The success of recreation providers, both existing GOVERNMENT HAS A UNIQUE such transitions would in the future and potentially new park organiza- enable the regional park authority to ROLE TO PLAY IN FACILITATING tions that may form at the local level. focus its resources entirely on the op- Planning for this new regional park THE DEVELOPMENT OF A eration and maintenance of regional authority will necessarily be a coop- parks, while also still being able to REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY. erative, collective effort. The details of offer technical assistance and consul- the speciﬁc institutional arrangement tative guidance to local park systems best suited to the conditions and as needed. characteristics of Kern County can not be fully described at this time but 7.5 ESTABLISHING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES will only emerge from such an open collaborative process. Such a pro- There are already many different cess, however, will set the stage for park and recreation providers in Kern the continued regional cooperation County, including not only the Kern among all park agencies that is both County Parks and Recreation Depart- desired by residents and essential to ment, but also the seven municipal maximize the utilization of park and park departments, eight indepen- recreation resources throughout the dent park districts, and a community county. services district providing park and recreation services. All of them should Kern County Government play a role in shaping the proposed As the agency with the broadest regional park authority, which must be coverage in Kern County, the county designed to complement rather than government has a unique role to play overlap the roles and responsibilities in facilitating the development of a of other park agencies. As the new regional park authority. This Parks park authority will focus speciﬁcally on Master Plan describes a process to the regional park system, rather than enhance park and recreation services local parks and facilities, then the to all residents in the County. The

VII-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN organizational reform of county park system

key to implementing the long-term recommendations will be the formation of a regional park authority or park district. Kern County government should initiate the process for form- ing the district, and implement key projects to build support for regional parks and services, but once in place the new park authority should assume the leadership role in regional park and recreation services.

Following the creation of the regional authority, the government of Kern County should still plan for local parks in its jurisdiction, i.e. unincorporated maintain all regional park and recre- Kern County facilities provide available space to serve needs for seniors across the county. areas not within the jurisdiction of ation facilities and services within Kern existing local park districts. These County. This new organizational entity parks could be developed using funds could retain its own executive direc- from Quimby Act collections and tor and professional staff as has been impact fees speciﬁc to the plan area. done by the Riverside County Re- The maintenance and operation of gional Park and Open Space District, these parks could be funded within in which case it would supersede the the local area using county service existing Kern County Parks and Rec- areas, landscape and lighting districts, reation Department. Alternatively, the or other local funding mechanisms. Board of Supervisors for Kern County Operations and maintenance of these could choose to contract with or park sites can be either contracted delegate managerial and operational to a private party, new independent functions to the Parks Department as park districts at the local level if ap- has been done in Los Angeles County proved by voters in those areas, or to and Napa County. the regional park authority. As the Parks Department now does, the new authority will also continue to Regional Parks Authority assume maintenance and operational A new regional parks authority should responsibilities for parks outside of be formed to develop, operate and

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-11 chapter seven

incorporated areas that are not now resource for connecting local projects served by an independent park dis- to the funding necessary to complete trict or other park agency at the local them. This would include knowledge level. It is recommended, however, of grant programs, local funding that where feasible new park districts sources and places to inquire about at the local level be formed, which donated and in-kind services. The could eventually assume these local staff would also help communities Excerpt from Tehachapi focus group input park responsibilities, enabling the re- establish and update local funding gional park authority to focus primar- mechanisms that pay for maintenance ily on the development and manage- and improvements to neighborhood- ment of regional parks and facilities. and community-level facilities.

The regional parks authority should The regional park authority could also take on the responsibility of as- provide assistance to those local com- sisting local community groups and munity groups who have expressed a organizations as to how to improve strong interest in establishing greater their local parks. The regional author- control over their local parks. Such ity would not be the park planner assistance in identifying the most on the local level, but would have appropriate organizational form (e.g. connections to landscape architects, community service district, indepen- planners and other professional ser- dent park district, etc.) and outlining vices that could provide the required the public process required to estab- assistance. Additionally, a small capi- lish such special districts. tal funding source could be included Finally, the staff of the Kern County’s in the regional funding package to regional park authority should also assist in local park projects, includ- participate in and coordinate plan- ing contributing matching monies for ning efforts that span across jurisdic- grants and otherwise reinvesting in tional boundaries. This will help to the local parks. create a truly regional park and recre- A second service that the regional ation system, with pieces developed authority could provide is circulat- by local agencies integrated into the ing information about potential park larger system, and then connected by funding sources. The regional au- recreational trails. thority’s staff would be an important

VII-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN organizational reform of county park system

City Government and Independent County. In unincorporated communi- Park Districts – Existing ties like Frazier Park, the Kern River The seven existing city park agencies, Valley and Mojave, strong interest in the eight independent park districts doing so has been expressed. Coali- and the Rosamond Community Ser- tions of local community leaders and vices District (along with any future organizations, with the assistance of park districts at the local level) would the County Parks Department (or the continue to be responsible for park new regional park authority), could planning and the funding of mainte- work together to identify the most nance and park development for local appropriate organizational mecha- parks within their boundaries. Each nism for the delivery of services at agency should also be a part of the the local level. Such a coalition might preliminary cooperative efforts lead- initially take the shape of a volunteer ing up to the creation of the regional organization charged with the task park district. The support of these of building support for the concept groups will be critical to the success while working toward the formation of of a new funding source for regional a community service district, county facilities. service area, independent park district

In the future, the regional authority or other local entity that can provide may also be able to offer contract and finance the park services. maintenance and administrative Other Agencies and Community services to the other park agencies Groups in Kern County. This will allow these There are a number of key partners agencies to benefit from specialized that will also have important roles park maintenance knowledge and the to play in establishing a region-wide regional authority to gain efficiencies park system. These include the school of scale. districts, organized sports groups and community service groups. These are Independent Park Districts – New described below. New local park entities could be established in those communities School Districts where there appears to be a desire Partnerships with the school districts to assume control of locals parks across the County will be the key to now managed and operated by the providing indoor recreation space,

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-13 chapter seven

sports fields and other shared large- benefits of a regional collaborative scale recreation facilities. School dis- approach to providing park and rec- trict leadership will need to establish reation facilities and services. Sports the policies necessary to clearly iden- groups have large established net- tify any limitations on sharing facili- works of recreation advocates who, if ties to meet security and scheduling they see the benefits of the plan, can needs. The regional park authority, be enthusiastic supporters. as well as local park agencies, should Community Service Groups look for all possible opportunities THE REGIONAL PARK AUTHORITY, Several parks in Kern County have to partner with schools to co-locate benefited extensively from the assis- AS WELL AS LOCAL PARK facilities that can be shared with wider tance of community groups, such as community uses. AGENCIES, SHOULD LOOK FOR service clubs, community foundations Organized Sports Groups and other nonprofit organizations. ALL POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES Organizations that sponsor sports This type of community ownership of

TO PARTNER WITH SCHOOLS TO in Kern County will continue to be parks should not be overlooked as essential to the community, as they a source of support. In rural com- CO-LOCATE FACILITIES THAT provide youth and adult sport pro- munities service groups have been grams. The regional authority should the primary park advocates and have CAN BE SHARED WITH WIDER not compete with community organi- developed and maintained existing

COMMUNITY USES. zations in managing organized sports. facilities. Such groups can also be The operation of sport leagues and the core component of local efforts youth sport activities should continue to build on past partnerships with to be the responsibility of existing the County to facilitate the creation and new sport organizations. How- of local park district or other entities ever, this is not to say that over time, to manage local parks as described sport organizations may wish to part- above. ner with the regional parks author- 7.6 BUILDING COMMUNITY ity to expand sports programs and SUPPORT develop new facilities. A regional parks authority will be a Organized sports groups can also new concept to most Kern County play an important role in distribut- residents. In order to gain the public ing information and emphasizing the support that will be needed for the successful creation of a park district,

VII-14 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN organizational reform of county park system

as well as the subsequent funding communicates the benefits of the for regional park facilities, voters will proposal to them. This campaign will need to be informed about the ben- need leadership within governments efits of the proposed management and among community members. This and development concept. support can be built up among the participants in recreation programs Initially, Kern County government and other active community groups should take on the leadership role of that utilize County parks and recre- building the public support needed ation facilities. The campaign will have for the immediate priority of improv- the best chance of success with high- ing existing park and recreation facili- quality professional assistance to craft ties and in the longer term to develop the messages, test voter opinions and new ones. Results from both the campaign materials. This effort would telephone survey and on-line ques- likely involve detailed polling of the tionnaires show that a significant ma- population to tailor the messages, jority of Kern County residents would building on the needs identified in be willing to pay an additional tax or this planning process.. fee to improve their County parks, an important component necessary to Partner Agency Support ensure the viability of a regional park During the Parks Master Plan pro- authority. As a first step, a regional cess, the County government called park authority formation committee together representatives from the (RPAFC) should be formed to develop various providers of park and recre- a campaign strategy, educate the ation facilities and services to discuss public and present the program to the the needs of County residents and the public. path toward meeting those needs. The official support of the other park Informing Voters agencies within the new regional It is a challenge to create a new park authority will be very important governmental agency and pass a to satisfy the community’s desire that funding measure. A common feature their resources be used as effectively of successful funding measures is a as possible. However, the boundaries well-coordinated public information of the proposed park district can be campaign that discovers what voters drawn to include the entire county, or in Kern County want and effectively

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VII-15 chapter seven

to exclude any portion of the area. Assembling the right package of capi- If any one agency is not interested tal projects for the initial work plan of in being part of the regional parks the new regional authority will be a authority, the boundary of the district crucial first step. Given input received could be drawn to remove that par- from the public during the community ticular area. outreach phase of this project, the major priority should be the reha- The proposal for a new regional park bilitation of existing parks, such as authority could also be presented as Hart Memorial Park. These and other core element of a broader compre- projects must meet regional needs, hensive package of parks and recre- provide economic benefits to the reation measures that would include gion as a whole, and build excitement complementary proposals for new and ownership in the community. The local park districts in the unincor- projects should focus on providing porated areas of Kern County. This benefits throughout the County. would likely strengthen support for the regional park authority by pre- In addition to the ability to fund senting voters with a clearer and more construction of these projects, the complete vision of how the county- community has indicated that a wide park system would function in key measure of success will be the the future at both the regional and financial resources to maintain the local level. facilities once they are built. Addition- ally, investing in a small number of Key Implementable Projects key local projects, including reinvest- A final critical element of gaining the ments in existing local facilities will voter support necessary for the cre- help to demonstrate the possibilities ation of a park and recreation district of an enhanced and improved parks and its funding is proceeding toward and recreation system to the entire a new model of regional cooperation. community.

VII-16 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN CHAPTER EIGHT

8 funding options and recommendations THE KERN COUNTY PARKS AND

RECREATION DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS

AND MAINTAINS A SAFE, ACCESSIBLE,

HIGH QUALITY REGIONAL SYSTEM OF

PARKS, OPEN SPACES, LANDSCAPES, AND

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO SUPPORT

AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE

FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT CHAPTER EIGHT funding options and recommendations

THE KERN COUNTY PARKS and ation projects suggested earlier Recreation Department needs to in this document. The County has provide park facilities that are well a recently adopted a capital im- distributed throughout the County provement plan (CIP) that includes and that provide an engaging several parks facilities projects. The variety of recreational opportuni- CIP is a preliminary indication of the ties. The Department also needs to County’s plans for new facilities. As adequately operate and maintain a working document, it is being re- its facilities in order to maximize viewed and revised on a regular ba- A pick up game of softball in Arvin. their use and enjoyment by the citi- sis, as the County’s needs change. It zens of Kern County. This chapter is not intended to be inclusive of all focuses on funding sources, both projects needed to serve the county existing and proposed, for current in the future, rather, it is a ‘snap- and future planned park and rec- shot’ of the County’s perceived reation facilities. Additionally, this needs at the time it was created. chapter presents the most current Therefore, the planned projects identiﬁed park and recreation facil- listed in the CIP are included on a ity projects and the estimated costs conceptual basis and are subject to of those projects. Probable funding change. shortfalls are identiﬁed and additional potential funding sources are #$ $% %& &' &' '(86P suggested. 6 6 6 @

8.1 RELATION TO THE KERN COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN G This chapter presents planning level CWG cost estimates and funding recom- )FS7`0FS7` mendations for park and recre-

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-1 chapter eight

The recommended projects in this chapter sets the stage for the funding Master Plan can be seen as an ideal- discussion by presenting the existing ized roadmap to guide future facility financial situation within the context needs. Park needs have been cal- of the County’s overall budget. The culated with updated assumptions first section also details the Depart- compared to the CIP. Parks projects ment’s existing funding sources. recommended here represent an The Kern County Parks and Recre- ideal level of service. Future CIP up- ation Department receives funding dates must be informed by the policy for maintenance and operations from R decisions that will need to be made 6 a variety of funding sources, includ- regarding the level of service that the ing the general fund, charges for County will provide. The parks devel- services, use of money/property and opment impact fee study, a separate other financing sources. This chapter effort currently in progress, will also provides a description of major fund- need to be informed by the recom- ing sources including a description of mendations made here. historical revenue. The analysis of the existing revenue sources is based on 8.2 EXISTING FUNDING )FS9 SOURCES Kern County’s Recommended Budget for fiscal years 2006-07 and 2008-09, County resources for park facilities financial reports, and County policies and recreation programs are limited. and procedures documents. The Department must compete with many other County departments The County uses a variety of revenue for funding. The first section of this sources for parks and recreation oper-

"@ #$ $% %& &' &' '(86P @ 6 6 6 @

7 6 G@S @

)FS7`0FS7`

VIII-2 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

ations, maintenance and capital costs. Table 1 shows all existing revenue #@ #$ $% %& &' &' '(86P for funding for parks and recreation @8s 6 6 6 @ services from FY 2005 to FY 2009 (projected). The two largest funding 6 sources for parks and recreation are: • General Fund –The General Fund supports essential county services )FS7`0FS7` such as sheriff and fire protection, street maintenance, libraries, and parks and recreational facilities and property, miscellaneous revenue, maintenance and development. General Fund revenue comes from revenue from the Tehachapi Mountain sources such as property tax, sales Park Forest Fund, and revenue from tax, franchise fees, and service litter cleanup activities. fees. Over the previous five fiscal years, the General Fund provided In addition to the aforementioned for approximately 80 percent of general revenues, the County has a funding for the Parks and Rec- land dedication or in lieu fee require- reation Department. The allocation to the Parks and Recreation ment in place in the unincorporated Department is not fixed, and is areas of the County based on the THE APPROACH WAS INTER- adjusted annually to meet need. Quimby Act. The Quimby Act requires • Charges for Services – Fees re- dedication of parkland, or payment of DISCIPLINARY AND COLLABOR- ceived from the use of the County’s a fee in lieu of dedication, and does parks and recreational facilities. ATIVE: A TRUE PARTNERSHIP not require construction of park im- Over the previous five fiscal years, service charges provided for ap- provements. The Quimby ordinances BETWEEN THE CONSULTANT proximately 15 to 17 percent of in Kern County require parkland dedi- TEAM, CITY AND DOWNTOWN funding for the Parks and Recre- cation at a standard of 2.5 acres per ation Department. In the FY2008- thousand residents. Funds collected 09 CAO Recommended Budget DOWNTOWN KERN PARTNER- the Department is budgeted to through the Quimby ordinance can receive $2.2 million in charges for be used for purchasing land to create SHIP STAFF, STAKEHOLDERS services revenue. In comparison neighborhood and community parks. to other historical data from other AND THE PUBLIC. California counties, the revenue The Quimby Act only applies to land from charges for service is low. subdivisions. A county cannot apply Other sources in FY 2009 include the Quimby Act to development on fines and forfeitures, use of money land subdivided prior to adoption of a

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-3 chapter eight

$8u8 Quimby ordinance, such as development on inﬁll lots. The Quimby Act u u 8 D 86 8 also would not apply to residential development on future approved 6XI 7 projects on single parcels, such as 7 7 many types of multi-family develop- G @C ment. Allowable uses of in-lieu fee revenue include land acquisition, park C C improvements including recreation F9 facilities, and rehabilitation of exist- F G ing park and recreation facilities. GC w@ However, the fee is calculated to fund wX acquisition of the same amount of I@ land that would have been dedicated. S The fee does not include the cost of S6 S park improvements because the land S dedication requirement does not W6 X include improvements. XC Historical Quimby Act revenue is 7GG displayed in Table 2. To date, Quimby revenue has been under collected. 9 The under-collection of revenue is 96 9 due to details speciﬁc to the County’s Quimby ordinance. Per the ordinance, G the amount of the fee in lieu of land W6 dedication is based on dedicat- 9 ing 2.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 6 residents, using “fair market value as XC99 9S of the time prior to approval of the S proposed land division” as the cost FS9 basis for the dedication. The use of )FS900X market value as of the time prior to

VIII-4 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

approval of the land division uninten- tionally builds a structural deﬁcit into %u8 the Quimby program because land u u values are signiﬁcantly lower prior to 6 86 8 subdivision. When the County goes to 7W6S6 purchase land for parks from Quimby GSE revenue, the land that it wishes to FS GX purchase is of a greater value than the S Quimby fee revenue. Consequently, S the County cannot afford to purchase 9XC enough land to maintain a 2.5 acre 99 SS standard to serve the development )FS90X paying the fee.

8.3 EXPENDITURES &@Gs6$6 6 V The Parks and Recreation Department !!"# @G6 6 expenditures fund the capital facili- S ties and maintenance and operations @G 6

SG 6 costs of a regional and community S park system. Community parks are I@6 6 typically less than 100 acres in size @G9 6 and serve the surrounding community. !$!# S 6 Regional parks are typically greater S 66 6 than 100 acres in size and attract us- 6I 6 ers from the greater County region. GI 6

For the purposes of this analysis, @F wF local parks and park standards refer )0X to the community parks that serve residents in the unincorporated areas not served by a local parks district. In The breakdown of existing expen- addition to parkland, the department ditures providing these services is is responsible for operating veterans’ shown in Table 3. Over the previous halls, senior centers, and other com- five fiscal years, Salaries and Benefits munity buildings. make up the majority of expenditures, ranging from 67 percent of

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-5 chapter eight

total expenditures in FY 2004-05 to tions. Funded positions have ranged 72 percent in FY 2008-09. The second from 121 to 142 positions. To adjust highest expenditure category is Ser- for current fiscal constraints the vices and Supplies. department is considering holding 17 positions vacant and unfunded during Table 4 shows Parks and Recreation FY 2008-09. Department staffing for the previous five fiscal years. Authorized positions To date, the department has ensured have ranged from 134 to 145 posi- that expenditures are programmed to match available revenue. With the '@Gs6"6 6 V current economic downturn, revenues

!!"# are projected to decrease. In the @G6 6 S FY2008-09 budget request, overall @G 6 park revenue and expenditures de- SG 6 S clined by approximately two percent, I@6 6 despite increases in service popula- @G9 6 tion. Depending on the length and !$!# S 6 severity of the economic downturn, S 66 6 the Parks Department can expect fur- 6I 6 GI 6 ther reductions in revenue and conse-

@F quently level of service, unless other wF funding sources can be identiﬁed. )0X

8.4 PROPOSED CAPITAL (I8@$6G I PROJECTS Is 6 8 6 6 8 Based on the analysis in the preceding chapters of this document, many capital projects have been proposed, both to remedy existing deﬁciencies S and rehabilitate existing parks, and to S provide new facilities to serve growth.

I In general, the costs can be concep-

9 tualized into two major categories: G rehabilitation and new facilities.

)0X

VIII-6 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

Rehabilitation Projects I8@"6G Many of the existing parks in Kern I Is 6 County are in various stages of dilapi- 6 86 8 dation. Table 5 shows rehabilitation costs for local serving community parks. Rehabilitation costs are esti- S mated at $90,000 per acre based on S

MIG’s experience with planning for I rehabilitating parkland. This ﬁgure 9 G serves as a reasonable estimate for a )0X range of improvements that are typi- V cally needed at the existing parks in V8 R 8

Kern County. In total, approximately $38 million is needed to rehabilitate XE the existing community parks in Kern W 7Y County.

Table 6 shows an estimate of rehabili- )S tation costs for regional park facili- ) ties. Regional parks are less intensely developed than local parks and ing 4,282 acres of regional parkland in therefore do not require as much re- Kern County. habilitation as the local parks. For the purposes of developing a planning New Facilities level estimate for regional rehabilita- New parkland recommendations tion costs, it is estimated that the cost are informed by parkland standards, of rehabilitating regional parkland is which are expressed as developed half the cost of rehabilitating commu- park acres per 1,000 residents. Table 7 nity parkland. An estimate of $45,000 presents the calculation of current and per acre of regional parkland is used future local community parkland stan- in Table 5 for approximating regional dards and acreage, should the County parkland rehabilitation costs. Ap- decide to implement a ﬁve acre per proximately $193 million dollars will thousand residents local parkland be required to rehabilitate the exist- standard. The local community park-

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-7 chapter eight

land standard is calculated relative standard of five acres of local park- to the population in unincorporated land per thousand residents in the areas not served by park districts. areas of Kern County not served by an independent parks district. De- Table 8 presents the calculation of velopment costs per acre are based current and future local parkland on an estimate to build a new park standards and acreage, should the facility (Ming Regional Park) in Kern County decide to implement a three County per MIG. Land costs per acre acre per thousand residents local for community parkland represent community parkland standard. the average value per acre of existing Based on the parkland needed to community parkland in Kern County, and are consistent with figures from the County’s ongoing development 8uu" 8 8 impact fee study. Land costs per acre for regional parkland represent the %& S average value per acre of being used SS I in the ongoing development impact fee study for bulk land purchases in the County. $& S SS Currently, 293 park acres exist to serve I unincorporated residents that do not live in independent park districts. At this standard, 907 acres of new local )0X community parks will be required by the planning horizon of 2030 (rounded to 910 acres of need in Table 9). In achieve either a standard of five or addition to local parks, 1,800 acres of three acres per thousand residents new regional parks are being recom- identified in Tables 7 and 8 new mended to maintain the existing five facilities are recommended, includ- acre standard of regional parkland. ing local parks, regional parks and The total estimated cost for these specialized park facilities. An estimate new park facilities is approximately of parkland needs is shown in Table $531 million dollars. 9. The analysis in Table 9 assumes a

VIII-8 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

Due to the high cost of implementing a local park standard of ﬁve acre per "H8$6 thousand residents, this study also 6 6 H H estimates the costs of new facilities 6 86 8 should the County wish to implement a three acres per thousand S 6I residents local park standard. Table 10 also shows new park costs, but at a standard of three acres of local )0X parks per thousand residents. The #H8"6 regional parkland standard remains 6 6 at ﬁve acres per thousand. Under this H H 6 86 8 scenario, the estimated cost for new park facilities is $377 million. S 6I In addition to parkland with standard park improvements, special use facili- )0X ties are also being recommended. Ta- ble 11 shows an estimate of planned million to approximately $802 million special use facilities costs. through the planning horizon of 2030.

Table 12 sums all of the facilities costs 8.5 ESTIMATED OPERATIONS from Tables 9 through 11 to deter- AND MAINTENANCE COSTS mine the total cost of planned facili- In addition to capital expenditures, ties through 2030. Table 12 shows two the addition of park land and rec- scenarios. The ﬁrst scenario uses the reation facilities will also increase analysis from Table 9 to calculate annual park operations and mainte- local parks costs at a ﬁve acres per nance costs. These costs are typically thousand residents standard. The funded by the General Fund. Based second scenario uses the analysis on a recent cost estimate as provided from Table 10 to calculate local parks to MIG by a landscape contractor for costs at a three acres per thousand general park maintenance it is esti- residents standard. Depending on mated that the new parks will require the local acreage standard, total approximately $900 per acre per year costs range from approximately $648 in annual maintenance costs. Since

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-9 chapter eight

ﬁve and three acres per thousand resi- $@D dents standards, respectively. 6 86 8 G6I 8.6 POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL S6I REVENUE SOURCES - wS CAPITAL @9 While there are several potential ad- I)S@GI6S`7E@C6I@6 w ditional revenue sources for funding 6 capital needs, each source must be )00X approved by either the ruling body or the voters. The biggest hurdle for %@D implementation of these revenue 6 86 8 sources is the approval by the com- G6I S6I munity to exact funding from itself wS to fund park facilities. The revenue @9 sources examined below are shown

I)S@GI6S`7E@C6I@6 in order of probability of approval. w 6 (Those listed sooner are more likely

)00X to be approved.) The degree to which the community and its representation regional parks are developed less in- is willing to consider imposing addi- tensely than community parks, annual tional revenue sources will dictate the maintenance costs for regional parks level of park facilities that are ﬁnan- are estimated at half of the com- cially feasible. munity park estimate. The costs for Of the following funding sources for maintaining the proposed new park capital needs, only in lieu and devel- facilities would equate to between opment impact fees are restricted to 8.5% and 11.7% of the FY2008-09 funding new facilities, or the capac- recommended budget, depending on ity expansion of existing facilities. the parkland standard provided. Revenue from a voter approved bond Tables 13 and 14 detail the additional measure, sales tax or a parcel tax annual maintenance costs that will be could be spent of new facilities, or the incurred by the planning horizon with rehabilitation of existing facilities. the addition of new local parks at a

VIII-10 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

In Lieu and Development Impact Fees &8sF6W The County is currently conducting V V @ 6W a nexus study in order to implement development impact fees. Impact fees are imposed on new development only. As part of that process, fees for )F6S`@E parks and recreation facilities are being developed. In-lieu park dedication this chapter reflect fees calculated at fees and impact fees are one-time policy standards recommended earlier fees paid by development at the time in this document, and are significantly of building permit issuance to provide higher than either currently exist or facilities for new development. These are currently proposed in the recent fees can provide a significant source impact fee study. of revenue for capital projects, with two main constraints: Tables 15 and 16 estimate park impact fee revenue for five and three acre per • The capital facilities must benefit new development; facilities that thousand residents standards, respec- do not benefit new development tively. Tables 15 and 16 also identify cannot be funded with impact fees; the cost of the existing deficiencies, and should parkland for existing residents • Park in-lieu dedication and impact be brought up to the same standards. fee revenue is dependent on the Impact fee revenue estimates assume development market. As such, revenue generation can be highly total parks costs to accommodate variable from year to year. new development are fully charged through impact fees. Hence they are An example of potential impact fee also are equal to the cost of facili- revenue is estimated below. All im- ties to serve growth at the adopted pact fee estimates shown below are standard. However both standards preliminary and are subject to change. shown of five acres per thousand resi- It must be noted that the draft impact dents and three acres per thousand fee document recently submitted to residents are higher than the County’s the County for review calculates the current level of service of 1.66 acres park impact fees based on differ- of local parks per resident. Should ent standards than those presented the County decide to implement a here. Impact fee revenue estimates in

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-11 chapter eight

standard higher than the current level If the Department implements a three of service, then it must fund the exist- acre per thousand residents standard, ing deficiency with funding other than it could potentially generate $305 impact fee revenue. million in impact fee revenue through 2030 for new park facilities to serve 'I8sD new development. While fee revenue w 6H 6 s would be lessened, fewer deficien- D CW cies would need to be funded than 6W 6W under the five acre standard, and 6W

S6W) the amount to be funded by non-fee S) P ) funding sources would be lowered to 6 7 $74 million.

)FS6W0X In addition to funding the existing deficiencies, there are other consid- The fee revenue estimates presented erations to make when implementing here represent potential revenue if an impact fee program. If charged at fees are implemented at an ideal five acre standard, the fees estimated level of service. Policy decisions made in Table 15 could exceed $10,000 per by the Board of Supervisors will af- single family dwelling unit. As such, fect the level of service provided by implementing fees at this level may the parks department. In total, the not be considered to be feasible. Department could potentially gener- The exact level of the fees will not be ate $345 million in impact fee revenue known until the separate fee analysis through 2030 for new park facili- process is complete. ties to serve new development, if it Voter Approved Bond Measure implements a five acre per thousand Another potential revenue source to residents local parkland standard. fund parks projects is a voter ap- It would need to fund $184 million proved bond measure. A bond is in deficiencies with non-fee funding issued based on increasing the prop- sources to bring existing develop- erty tax rate on real property assessed ment up to the same parkland stan- value. Table 17 shows the total tax- dards. able assessed value of real property in Kern County from 2004-05 to 2007-08.

VIII-12 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

As part of this Master Planning effort,

MIG retained Research Network, Ltd (8 to conduct a telephone survey of %& &' '( ' residents in Kern County. Some of S@ S the questions asked dealt with how S P P P residents felt parks should be funded S6 in the County. Approximately 65 S percent of those surveyed were willing S P P P to support an annual property tax in- () S6 crease of $25 to fund park facilities or S recreation programs in Kern County. S P P P

Approximately 74 percent of those *+), S6 surveyed were willing to support an S annual property tax increase of $15. S P P P

Table 18 shows an estimate of the )F0070E0X revenue that a general obligation bond issue could potentially generate. The analysis assumes an interest median home price in Kern County. rate of six percent and a 30-year bond Despite current market conditions we issue. Although the current tax rate do not assume any decrease in as- in Kern County varies depending on sessed value. Conversely, no increase local assessments, special taxes and in assessed value is assumed going school bonds, it is assumed to range forward. from just over 1.0 percent to approximately 1.3 percent. The table shows While a general obligation bond revenue generated by three scenarios could provide a substantial amount of that would add to the existing tax rate funding up front for the Parks Depart- by a relatively small amount (0.010, ment’s capital needs, there are certain 0.015, and 0.020 percent, respec- limiting factors that may inﬂuence the tively). Table 18 also shows what the feasibility of such a bond. The County increase would translate into in terms may be considering issuing a bond for of an annual increase on the property other capital project needs. The po- tax bill of a home worth $125,000, the litical acceptability of issuing a bond

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-13 chapter eight

for Parks Department (or any other tax) and a user fee (i.e. increased department’s) projects may decrease cost for services) in Kern County. Per in the short term as the housing Research Network Ltd: market worsens. Also, ‘voter fatigue’ “Four of every ten households may cause voters to decline issuing a polled (45%) stated they prefer bond. a Household Tax. A comparable Parcel Tax share of respondents (44%) Parcel taxes are a type of excise tax stated they prefer a User Fee. An on the use of property. A great advan- additional 6% of respondents vol- tage of a parcel tax is its ﬂexible use unteered they would like to see a of revenues. Widely used throughout combination of both of the tested the state, these taxes are adopted alternatives while 5% of those as a special tax dedicated to speciﬁc polled stated they “don’t want purposes. All special taxes require to pay anything” or “the County two-thirds voter approval. Thus, the should pay for it from existing greatest challenge for this funding source is gaining voter approval. taxes.”

Parcel taxes are usually levied as a Unfortunately, the data from the poll flat amount per parcel with variances does not suggest that the two thirds by major land use category. The threshold for implementing a parcel parcel tax must not be correlated tax can be met. As such, potential with assessed value to avoid being parcel tax revenues are excluded from considered a property tax subject to this analysis. the constraints of Proposition 13. The parcel tax on a specific property need Sales Tax not be correlated with the benefit An increase in sales tax could gener- received by that property from the ate revenue for the Parks and Recre- expenditure of tax revenues. ation Department. However, a state- wide sales tax increase has recently The same telephone survey refer- been implemented so it is assumed enced in the previous section also that the political acceptability of ap- polled residents on their preference proving an increase in the sales tax between household tax (i.e. parcel rate is very low. As such, an estimate

VIII-14 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

of potential sales tax revenue is not ers the lowest percentage of its costs ncluded in this analysis. through charges for services.

Cost recovery for certain recreation 8.7 POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL REVENUE SOURCES – programs could potentially be in- MAINTENANCE AND creased without negatively impacting OPERATIONS recreational activity participation. As with the previous section, funding Modest increases in Kern County’s alternatives are presented in order of cost recovery rate would both bring estimated ease of approval. Revenue Kern County in line with its neighbors, from any of the following funding and increase revenue for mainte- sources can be spent on maintenance nance and operations. Increased cost and operations for either existing or recovery where feasible and appropri- new park facilities. ate would provide additional funding for operations and maintenance or Potential Increase in Recreation capital projects. Funding would in- Program Cost Recovery crease by about $140,000 annually for The largest funding source for Depart- every one percent increase in the cost ment costs, aside from the general recovery rate. The Parks Department fund contribution is charges for servic- should conduct a user fee study to set es. This typically includes fees for the fees at a level that recovers costs at a use of facilities, recreation program higher rate. fees, fishing and boating permits and other user-related charges. In FY2008- Some user fees have been held artifi- 09, the Department anticipates that it cially low as a policy decision to pro- will receive approximately $2.2 million vide affordable recreational facilities in revenue from charges for services. (senior centers, community centers) When compared to the Department’s to the community. This chapter is not total annual expenditures, this figure recommending that all user fees be has accounted for between 15 and 16 raised. Rather, the recommendation is percent of total costs since FY2006-07. that user fees, where appropriate, be Table 19 details recent cost recovery raised to recover more costs. history in Kern County, and compares Kern County’s historical cost recovery Benefit Assessment Districts to that of other counties. Among the Benefit assessment districts allow counties surveyed Kern County recov- for the imposition of annual benefit

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-15 chapter eight

assessments on property owners vote.1 This constraint means that commensurate with the annual costs assessments are easier to impose on new development projects of an identified special benefit to (which tend to have a limited that property. There are a number number of land owners) as a condi- Examples of buildings in need of of different types of benefit assess- tion of approval, rather than more renovation, repair or replacement ment districts authorized by California broadly on all property owners. State law. Some are limited to provi- • Property owners can repeal an sion of public facilities (often using existing benefit assessment using an initiative process unless the debt financing secured by a lien on assessment is funding repayment property within the district) and some of debt. allow funding of operations and Benefit assessments are often im- maintenance. Lighting and Landscap- posed as a condition of approval for ing Districts (L&Ls) are an example of development projects, similar to land one commonly used benefit assess- dedication requirements and devel- ment district that can be used for opment impact fees. The key differ- maintenance. L&Ls can finance the ence is that benefit assessments allow costs associated with landscaping and for an ongoing revenue stream and lighting public areas, including acquir- therefore make them more suitable to ing land for parks and the installation fund ongoing costs. Unlike one-time and maintenance of landscaping and fees paid by the developer, the fund- recreation facilities. Benefit assess- ing burden falls on future property ment districts have certain require- owners. ments that limit, but not eliminate, their applicability to the Kern County Selected Divestment of Community Parks Master Plan: Buildings The Department owns and operates • Benefit assessments can only fund facilities or services that provide a 26 community buildings. Community special benefit to a distinct group groups can reserve space in a com- of property owners. Special bene- munity building for as little as $25 fits must be in addition to any gen- annually. Some of the buildings are eral benefits accruing to all proper- in various stages of dilapidation. The ties in a jurisdiction. An increase in property value alone does not annual maintenance costs for some qualify as a special benefit. of the buildings exceed the revenue

• Property owners must approve a 1 The vote is based on acreage weighted by the beneﬁt assessment by majority amount of the assessment.

VIII-16 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

from user charges for use of the build- Public-Private Partnerships ings. While the County operates these Public-private partnerships are con- facilities at a loss, it is important to tractual agreements between public note that the benefits to the com- agencies and private sector entities munity may outweigh the negative that provide the prospect for greater financial situation. opportunities for the general public and greater benefits to the private Several of these community build- sector partner by combining and ings are located within cities and local leveraging the resources and risks of parks districts. It is recommended each though cooperation and consoli- that the County transfer ownership dation of their respective resources. and maintenance responsibilities to One typical public-private partner- the cities and park districts in which ship situation is when a public agency the buildings are located. The County constructs a facility (typically a sports would realize savings in maintenance complex) then leases that facility to a costs, and the community buildings private entity in exchange for a share could still be used by the community. of revenue generated by the facility. The cities and park districts would The benefits to this situation are that then be able to provide efficient main- the needs of the community are met, tenance for those facilities and the while the agency does not have to County would be relieved of mainte- maintain the facility. nance responsibilities. An example of a public-private part- To prioritize which community build- nership is the Big League Dreams ings should be transferred, maximiz- sports complex in Manteca, San ing County, city, and park district Joaquin County. Per the City Man- efficiency, while serving commu- ager, the complex attracted 400,000 nity needs, the Department should attendees in 2008, and paid the City conduct a performance audit of its $372,000 in that year for use of the fa- community building inventory. Until a cility, which amounts to $53,000 more performance audit is conducted, esti- revenue than projected. While the mates of revenue from transfers, if any, revenue estimates are encouraging, and cost savings due to efficiencies in it must be noted that the City is still maintenance responsibilities cannot paying debt service on bonds used be determined. to finance the facility. The facility cost

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-17 chapter eight

tourism to Kern County, while discour- 8B$6 6 aging unlawful riding on lands, both

S public and private, not designated for 7 OHV use . IS

I While public private partnerships 9 are worth consideration, estimates I)6 of costs, savings and revenue are SGI6S`@6@ w unique to the nature of each situation, 7P and are therefore excluded from this )0X analysis.

8B"6 6 8.8 SUMMARY AND

S RECOMMENDATIONS 7 The plan recommends that the IS County provide signiﬁcant additional I recreational facilities within the 20 9 year planning horizon. Depending on I)6 SGI6S`@6@ the parkland acreage standard imple- w mented, the Department could incur 7P

)0X between $648 and $802 million in new facilities costs through the planning approximately $7 million more than a horizon. Maintaining those new facili- city owned and operated project. ties will cost between $1.2 and $1.6 million annually. Some of the needed Another example of a potential new facilities can be associated with public-private partnership is an off- growth; however the County does not highway vehicle (OHV) park. Per state currently have a development impact law, OHVs can only be ridden on des- fee in place. The following recom- ignated public trails or on private land mendations for funding the proposed with the land owner’s approval. improvements are divided into two A privately run OHV park could po- categories: one time facility costs and tentially accommodate the demand ongoing maintenance and operations for OHV facilities, and attract OHV costs.

VIII-18 | KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN funding options and recommendations

Recommendations for Funding source is excluded from these tables. Facility Costs: Additionally, any potential benefits • Implement development impact from public-private partnerships can- fees at as high a level as possible not be estimated, so they are also • Seek approval for voter approved bond measure excluded from this analysis. Based on reasonably anticipated funding • Prioritize projects, and defer low- priority projects sources, approximately $240 million worth of projects under the five acre Tables 20 and 21 detail the funding per thousand residents scenario, or gap created between the potential $126 million worth of projects under funding sources and the costs of the the three acres per thousand acre recommended facilities, at a five acre scenario must be deferred until after per thousand residents local park the planning horizon. standard and at a three acre per thousand residents local park standard, Recommendations for Funding respectively. Quimby revenue is not Increased Maintenance and included because the establishment Operations Costs: • Increase user charges to achieve a of an impact fee at a standard higher higher services cost recovery rate than the current Quimby standard through a user fee study would generate more revenue than • Implement benefit assessment Quimby fee revenue. Consequently, districts in areas of new growth for impact fee revenue is included, and funding local park maintenance Quimby revenue is excluded. Divest- • Transfer ownership of selected ment of underperforming assets (e.g. community buildings to cities and local park districts, to realize ef- transfer of some facilities to indepen- ficiencies in maintenance costs dent park districts or cities in which • Pursue public-private partnerships they are located) could not be reasonably estimated, so revenue from that

KERN COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN | VIII-19

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