Parks and Open Spaces

 

 

Kern River Riparian Preserve

The Kern River Nature Preserve is located between Lake Ming, the Kern River golf course, and the Lake Ming picnic area. It is part of the Kern River County Park, which includes Hart Park,  Shell Park,  Camp Okihi,  CALM,  Lake Ming, and the Kern River Golf Course. It is an open space area of riparian habitat where passive recreational use is permitted.

 

Golf Course picnic ground

This is a 10 acre space with many amenities for group picnics or barbeques. Learn more, and reserve the space here

 

Hart Memorial Park

It is located on Alfred Harrell Highway, east of Fairfax Rd. The park is 370 acres. It was named after County Supervisor John Hart, who spearheaded the project. Constructed between 1921 and 1936, it is the oldest section of the Kern River County Park, which includes the Kern County Soccer Fields east of the park.

 

Camp Okihi

Camp Okihi is located on Round Mountain Rd., across the river from Hart Park. It is primarily for use by Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups. It has no running water right now, but is undergoing some rehabilitation. More information can be found here

 

Shell Park

Shell Park, which is located on the north side of the Kern River across from Hart Park and next to Camp Okihi on Round Mountain Rd., has been neglected for years. It gets its name from Shell Oil Company, which formerly owned the property. The county is placing 3.5 miles of bike lane on Round Mountain Rd., and reinforced barrier with pedestrian traffic, but no vehicle traffic into Shell Park. Rehabilitation efforts for Shell Park will continue.

 

Panorama Vista Preserve

The Panorama Vista Preserve is 930 acres located on both sides of the Kern River.  Preserve boundaries run from near Manor Drive to Gordon’s Ferry (west to east) and the Beardsley Canal and to the top of the Panorama Bluffs (north to South). It has many trails that are open to the public.

 

San Miguel Commemorative Grove

This is a grove of trees planted as a partnership between Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary, the City of Bakersfield, the Tree Foundation of Kern, and the Kern River Parkway Foundation to be used as a commemorative park by Bakersfield and Kern County Citizens as a place to honor the memory of a special person or pay tribute to a special occasion.

 

Uplands of the Kern River Parkway

This is a park spanning both banks of the Kern River behind Sam Lynn Ballpark. There are several observation decks overlooking the river.

 

Riverview Park

Located at 401 Willow Dr. in Oildale, Riverview Park spans 20 acres, and offers a number of amenities including a gym, rock climbing wall, baseball diamond, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball court. More information can be found here

 

Beach Park

It is located at the intersection of 24th street and Oak street. It has soccer fields and horseshoe pits. To reserve the soccer fields, contact Bakersfield Parks and Recreation 

 

Yokuts Park

This park is named for the Yokut people, who lived in lodges along the branches of the Kern River Delta. It is located along the river north of Truxtun Ave. and Empire Dr. To reserve the soccer fields, contact Bakersfield Parks and Recreation 

 

Kern River Parkway Park

This park is located on Truxtun Extension east of Mohawk St., and features sand volleyball courts, a disc golf course, a par course, (exercise stations) and a parking lot with access to the Parkway.

 

Environmental Studies Area

The Environmental Studies area is located directly across from Cal State University, Bakersfield. Learn more here

 

Park at Riverwalk

The Park at Riverwalk is located along the Kern River between Calloway Dr. and Jewetta Ave. It contains two lakes, a walking trail, and an amphitheater that hosts many events. Information about events at Spectrum Amphitheater can be found here

To reserve one of the group areas at Riverwalk, contact Bakersfield Parks and Recreation 

Aera Park

This baseball park at the corner of Jewetta Ave. and Stockdale Highway, is located on 14 acres and includes eleven lighted fields, concession stand and restrooms, spectator bleacher seating with shade structure, landscaping, and a parking lot. There are two bridges connecting Aera Park to the Park at Riverwalk.

River Oaks

River Oaks Park is a lineal park located in the River Oaks neighborhood adjacent to the multi-use path. It features play equipment and a drinking fountain.

 

2800 Acres

The “2800 Acres” is a water banking project that runs on both side of the multi-use path in the western end of the Parkway. During wet years, the settling ponds are a great place for bird watching. To learn more about water banking, click here. There is more information about water banking and the hydrogeology of the Kern River under the “environment” tab.