BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — In a 4-0 vote, the Kern County Parks and Recreation Commission voted, 'yes' on the Hart Park Master Plan, Wednesday night.
This plan is working to improve, beautify, and add to the 300-acre park in a span of 3-5 years. Kern County Administrative Officer, Ryan Alsop says the plan will work with the Park and Rec's current budget.
“Folks here deserve to have nice things and nice places to go. Recreation is a huge part of that and we got to make sure our parks are top-shelf," said Alsop.
The Master Plan will be fulfilled in 3 phases starting with improvements to the pedestrian and equestrian trails, fencing, signs and bathroom upgrades.
Alsop says there is no water park included.
“There’s no water park in our presentation. There is a splash pad, incorporated into a children’s play area," said Alsop.
But, plans include a kid's play area and splash pads. They also plan to develop Hart Lake into a beach front.
Alsop wants to renew public safety efforts as well, including rules, regulations and a 24-hour surveillance.
By the third phase, Alsop hopes to add a dog park, sport activity area, fishing peninsula, event area, and much more.
“Nothing has been done out there for decades. We’re making investments out there that are actually meaningful to people out here in the community,” said Alsop.
Now that the Master Plan has been approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission it will go before the Board of Supervisors for a final 'okay' before it is implemented.
Alsop says if all goes according to plan, improvements will start happening in late summer of this year.
