Bakersfield, Calif., residents could see new and improved parks as part of a
Proposition 68 allows the state to sell $4 billion in bonds to help fund projects related to local and state parks projects, natural resource protection, water quality and supply, flood protection and climate adaptation.
The proposition also reallocates $100 million in unused bond money to go toward that effort.
Recreation and Parks Director Dianne Hoover said Bakersfield could significantly benefit from the proposition if it passes.
"Bakersfield is considered below the state average in income, and low-income areas like ours will qualify highly for new park projects, especially in parts of town where we have no parks," she said.
Hoover said new parks are needed the most in areas of Bakersfield that are still growing, such as the northeast and southeast edges of town.
"As the city continues to develop, we have the need for more parks," she said. "One of the things we're trying to do is have at least one park within a 10-minute walking distance from each residence."
Bakersfield already has about 60 parks, according to the city.
While a large chunk of any funding Bakersfield gets through the proposition would be for new parks, some of it would go to other recreational amenities, such as trails. A portion of the money would also help improve existing facilities.
Hoover said she would like to see additional bike trails around town and more exercise equipment at some of the city's parks.
"Studies show that if people are able to walk to an area where they feel safe and can exercise, that is helpful in cutting down obesity rates," she said.
County parks facilities such as Hart Park and the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area could also see some benefits from Proposition 68 if it passes.
"We're not really advocating one way or the other, but if it does pass, we have the opportunity to get some small share," said Geoffrey Hill, acting assistant county administrative officer for the General Services department. "We have staff that are parks planners that will be actively engaged in pursuing grants."
Hill said it's too early to discuss any particular projects. However, he said that in general many of the county's parks could use updated restrooms and the Parks and Recreation department could do with some new equipment.
"All our parks could benefit from a little bit of work," he said. "If [the proposition] passes, we will look at the requirements of the grants and that will guide our plans based on what the grants require."
Besides parks, the city and county could get some funding for water projects. The proposition sets some money aside for projects related to flood protection, groundwater recharge, safe drinking water and water recycling.
City Water Resources Director Jason Meadors said he's not sure what the city would be able to qualify for, but he's hopeful the department would be able to benefit from the proposition if it passes.
"Grant funds are always good for us to be able to use, but first we would have to qualify to even be able to put in an application," he said. "There are so many variables."
According to the proposition, $1.5 billion would go toward natural resource conservation projects while $1.2 billion would each go to parks and recreation projects and water-related projects.
Some matching funds may be required from local governments to receive some of the state money, according to the proposition. That may not apply to disadvantaged communities.
While Kern County could benefit from the proposition, it would add to state debt. The $4 billion in bonds would be repaid over the next 40 years at $200 million per year, if passed. Money would be appropriated from the general fund to pay off the bonds.
