Stay cool Bakersfield

(Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com)

It is that time of the year again, sunny skies, cool breeze, and high temperatures. With the temperatures rising, the hunt for ways to cool down is going to begin. Luckily for the citizens of Bakersfield, Hart part is located just 8 miles northeast. Hart Park has many things to offer. According to Kern County Parks and Recreation, ” The 370 acres of Hart Park along the Kern River now constitute the centerpiece of the 1,012 acre recreational complex called Kern River County Park, which also includes the: Group Picnic Reservation Areas,Nearby California Living  Museum, Lake Ming ,Camp Okihi“. With a large landscape, there is a variety of things to do.  From fishing, to enjoying a nice stroll in the park, everyone is sure to find something to dob. There is  a verirty of Wildlife habitat. For example there are  kit fox, possum, raccoon, beaver, muskrat, skunk, white egret, blue heron, and ducks.  With a good sight seen, there is also many spots to sit down at and enjoy a picnic, There are a variety of tables and grills. For those who are more adventurous and in the look out for something more active, there are hiking areas and equestrian trails. When the sun comes beating down on you, a trip to Hart park will be a good idea. To see more information on Hart park take a look at their web page at http://www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/hart.asp

Let’s beat the summer weather

Bakersfield’s weather is like no other. It is either really cold or really hot. It almost feels as if we don’t have spring. There is no real transgression period.

Luckily, we accommodate by changing our wardrobe with the times.

In the winter, we wear jackets, sweaters, leggings, boots, and two pairs of socks. I even wear two pairs of pants. In the summer, we wear light colored clothing, shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, and sandals. But I must warn anybody who has just strolled down Bakersfield. We do have three degree summer weather. It is not always the most enjoyable, but summer clothes, an air conditioner, cooler, or fan, help the hot weather a lot.

In my opinion, an air conditioner, fan, or cooler, is best little investment one can make in Bakersfield. The prices for them range depending on the size and type of air conditioner, cooler, or fan, the person wants to buy. They can be bought at Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, or Home Depot, to name a few.

But my favorite way to beat the Bakersfield heat is by going to Hart Memorial Park. It is eight miles northeast of Bakersfield on the Alfred Harrell Highway. It is a very nice and big park. There are picnic spots to cook, very tall shady trees to lie down, walk or run around, places to fish, animals to see, playgrounds for the kids, a river, and even two lakes where you can swim at.

It is to no surprise this place is never lonely. The trees and running water bring in people for hours. What better way than to beat the heat than at Hart Memorial Park with your friends and family.

Hart Memorial Park scenery
Photo by (http://www.co.kern.ca.us)

Family Fun is a Walk in the Park in Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a treasure trove of beautiful parks.  Whether you’re looking for family fun, physical exercise, or just a place to find a shady tree Bakersfield’s parks are where to go.  

 

• The Park at Riverwalk offers a variety of outdoor entertainment.  For the younger adventure seeker this park offers a full playground complete with swings, bridges, slides and sand play.  Two smaller lakes are joined together by a small stream that runs the entireity of the park for fishing and toy boating.  The Park at Riverwalk is also host to the Bright House Networks Amphitheatre.  This state of the art theatre is capable of full functioning audio and video for shows and concerts.  One of the highlights of this park is its bike trail where you can jog, bike, skate, or walk along the parks perimeter.  The Park at Riverwalk is located at 11298 Stockdale Hwy. 

 

Hart Memorial Park (Photo from: capturekerencounty.com)

• Hart Memorial Park is one of Bakersfield’s oldest treasures.  Nestled within the Northeast hills of Bakersfield along the Kern River is a 370 acre landscape that entertains the young and old alike.  Beyond several children play areas and group picnic spots this park offers two 10 acre lakes.  Several times throughout the year fishing derbies are held for a minimal entry fee.  The hills surrounding Hart Memorial Park are favorites of hikers and cyclists looking for a challenge. The most treasured facet of this park are the animals that call it home.  On a leisurely stroll you can find ducks, geese, kit foxes, beavers, and peacocks.  Hart Memorial Park can be located 8 miles Northeast of Bakersfield on Alfred Harrell Highway, 

 

Jastro Park (Photo from: turnto23.com)

• Jastro Park, in the heart of Downtown, has been delighting the citizens of Bakersfield for over 95 years.  The park offers full tennis and handball courts.  A full children’s play area located next to the biggest picnic spot the park offers.  Most loved, though, is the spray park open yearly from April to October.  Jastro Park is located at 2900 Truxtun Avenue.