Preserve. Improve. Good Will.
The park is all wintered up! So serene. Ahhhh…..
Next month we will be coming out of hibernation and meeting on February 11 2012 at noon over by the peacocks (northwest corner of Hart Park). Look forward to see you all there! Beyond our beautiful hike through the park, we will be discussing the new garden and the Hart Park spring festival. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy before we get started on our Hike!
Cheers!!!
Kenny
Howdy,
BTW, at next months meeting we will begin to get the garden going. Even through the walk is fun enough, if you’re interested in working on a community garden, you should REALLY attend. I’ll make sure and send out a notice MUCH earlier.
OK, this months meeting was mostly about de-trashing the park from this summers typical trashing. Went very well. It wasn’t so hot as we worked our tails off. Countless bags of trash were filled. Trash consisted of mostly Beer Cartons, Cig Cartons, Turd Sacks, and Fast food stuff. Maybe the companies who sell such things should be assessed a Turd Sack tax 
The park is SO much cleaner now. The trail along the river looks pretty. Thank you! You guys should come and check it out!
Here is a link to few pictures.
http://kennybeal.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/walk-and-talk-…k-clean-up-day/
BTW, I walked by an SUV at the park and happened to look in the back and noticed I could have taken a bag of trash out of their vehicle. Wow! What a pig pin. Point is some people live a fairly trashed out life, and yep, they come to Hart Park and simply do what they do.
The good news is a very high percent of people are not trashed out at all. Their living the good life in our relative paradise, and yep, dispose of their trash properly – Thank you!
YOUR INVITED to beautiful Hart Park in Bakersfield California for the 2nd annual Kern River Parkway Spring Fest 2011. Things are shaping up for a fun time! Come out, relax, and enjoy LIVE Music, Food, Booths, and Activities for all. By the way, because of our generous sponsors, admission is FREE!
Look forward to seeing you!
Kennybeal
Kern River Parkway Festival 2011 Bakersfield, Californai
Below is a link to our 2011 Operations Plan.
This trail guide of Hart Park shows many of the interesting places you will find at Hart Park. We are working a trail map whereas you will be able to tour all these places.
Click on the link below to download the complete trail guide.
Here is an excerpt:
What a Lovely March! The flowers are out!!!
You’re cordially invited to join us for our monthly Walk and Talk in the Park!
This weekend beyond the walk around our lovely park, we will be having the kick-off meeeting for our new garden and nursey! If you would like to get involve growing out new garden, this is the meeting for you!
Where
Hart Park, Kern River Parkway Foundation Information Center, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
March 12th, Saturday, 12 Noon
What we have planned:
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Hart Park is located on the north-eastern side of Bakersfield, California in Kern County and is truly a lovely place and local treasure. Bordered by the magnificent Kern River, the park is filled with various mature trees from around the world (over 100 species), a great variety of birds (including the peacocks from Tibet), vast expanses of grassy areas, (2) lakes, creeks, and large and small picnicking areas. At Hart Park you can enjoy hiking, running, swimming, bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, row boating, fishing, and more! Maybe just come out and take a nap… A beautiful place to just kick back.
We need your help! The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is a group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
You’re cordially invited to attend the Kern River Parkway Festival on May 14th 2011.
A variety of Outdoor Oriented Activities in the Morning and Lively Music in the afternoon will make the Festival a great place to spend a Saturday. The festival is planned from 9am to 7pm. Of course there will be Food throughout! And because of generous grants from others, the Festival will be free!
If you know any organizations or vendors who may be interested in having a booth, or clubs or others who would like to stage activities at the Festival, please have them email us for mmore information.
Would like to help with the festival? Please email us. We will be having several meetings in upcoming weeks to plan and prepare for the Festival.
We need help with the Following:
• Marketing/Public Relations
• Music
• Vendor Signup and Coordination
• Activity Signup and Coordination
• Grounds
Proceeds from the festival will help fund Kern River Parkway Improvement Projects.
Of course, much more to follow!
Best Regards,
Sincerely,
Kenny Beal
Happy February. What a beautiful day!
Stacey Lajoie will be leading the Walk this weekend. Come out and join her for a beautiful Walk. We have some great news to share.
You’re invited to join us for our monthly Walk and Talk in the Park!
This walk will be along the Stewards Trail (East End of Park along River)..
Where
Hart Park, In front of the Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
February 12th, Saturday, Noon to 2:00pm.
What we have planned:
Current Project Update. We will start with an update of the projects we are working on and projects we have planned for the future.
We’ll then take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Hart Park is located on the north-eastern side of Bakersfield, California in Kern County and is truly a lovely place and local treasure. Bordered by the magnificent Kern River, the park is filled with various mature trees from around the world (over 100 species), a great variety of birds (including the peacocks from Tibet), vast expanses of grassy areas, (2) lakes, creeks, and large and small picnicking areas. At Hart Park you can enjoy hiking, running, swimming, bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, row boating, fishing, and more! Maybe just come out and take a nap… A beautiful place to just kick back.
We need your help!
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is a group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
This is an excellent piece on Hart Park History from an excellent HIstorian. Thank you Gilbert P. Gia!!!
Here is a snippet:
Kern County history: Nude bathing in 1929 and Supervisor J.O. Hart
“You can’t quote me too strongly on this mater. I am going to have three deputy sheriffs on the lookout at the Kern River park, and if anyone, man or woman, is caught bathing in the lake at that time of the day or night without a bathing suit, he or she will be arrested.”
100 Year of History, Hart Park 1890 to 1990 By Glibert P. Gia
Click on One Hundred Years at Old Hart Park, 1890-1990 at http://www.gilbertgia.com/articlePages/community1.html
Wow! the following attachments are filled with historic information about our great park. I hope you enjoy reading them as I did.
Stacey Lajoie went to the Beale Library was able get copies of many Historical Documents of Kern River Park (included Hart Park). Thank you Stacey!
You will need to download the docs to view them. The Docs are in PDF format and you will need to rotate some of the views and zoom to make them readable. Please feel free to save and use as you like – as with all content on this site. We are an online information resouce for Kern River Park.
First walk in the Park 2011!
We hope your new year is off to a great start.
At this time of the year the park is especially serene and peaceful.
You’re invited to join us for our monthly Walk and Talk in the Park!
This walk will be along the Stewards Trail (East End of Park along River) – Nice.
Where
Hart Park, In front of the Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
January 8th, Saturday, Noon to 2:00pm.
What we have planned:
Current Project Update. We will start with an update of the projects we are working on and projects we have planned for the future.
We’ll then take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Hart Park is located on the north-eastern side of Bakersfield, California in Kern County and is truly a lovely place and local treasure. Bordered by the magnificent Kern River, the park is filled with various mature trees from around the world (over 100 species), a great variety of birds (including the peacocks from Tibet), vast expanses of grassy areas, (2) lakes, creeks, and large and small picnicking areas. At Hart Park you can enjoy hiking, running, swimming, bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, row boating, fishing, and more! Maybe just come out and take a nap… A beautiful place to just kick back.
We need your help!
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is a group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
You’re invited to join us for our monthly Walk and Talk in the Park!
This walk will be along the Stewards Trail (East End of Park along River) – Nice.
Where
Hart Park, In front of the Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
December 11th, Saturday, Noon to 2:00pm.
What we have planned:
Current Project Update. We will start with an update of the projects we are working on and projects we have planned for the future.
We’ll then take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery. It is very common to see visitors enjoying the park as they picnic, fish, boat, or just kicking back listening to music or taking in the parks quite majesty.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Hart Park is located on the north-eastern side of Bakersfield, California in Kern County and is truly a lovely place and local treasure. Bordered by the magnificent Kern River, the park is filled with various mature trees from around the world (over 100 species), a great variety of birds (including the peacocks from Tibet), vast expanses of grassy areas, (2) lakes, creeks, and large and small picnicking areas. At Hart Park you can enjoy hiking, running, swimming, bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, row boating, fishing, and more! Maybe just come out and take a nap… A beautiful place to just kick back.
We need your help!
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is a group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
Hart Park, Bakersfield, California. The Pic below captures the beautiful fall colors as displayed on Color Island. A great time to visit the park. The Park is home to well over 100 species of trees. I have not counted the total number of trees, however I would estimated near 1000. The is no better place to view trees in Bakersfield. Surprisingly, many people in the surrounding areas have not been here. Oh well. I recommend finding a favorite tree, pulling up a comfortable chair, having a close look, and just relaxing – ahhhh. Thank you Greg Iger for the Pic.
Picture of Color Island, circa November 2010, by Greg Iger
Would you like to catalog all the trees at Hart Park? Hmmm…
Hi everyone.
I hope you’re enjoying November.
Looks to be a beautiful Thanksgiving. I’m hopeful to see many friends and enjoy the homemade feast(s). I’m wound up, a little more than normal, as I’m moving to a place by Lake Ming – closer to Hart Park then I’ve ever been! Perfect. I hope to see you on the walk in December.
Ok, on to the talk (and many pics) about the November walk.
What a nice day for a walk. For those who missed out, bummer. For everyone else, we all agreed, the Park was in fine form. The Fall colors were brilliant. The Kern River as soothing as ever. Such a peaceful place. This time of the year, we almost have the place for ourselves. Everyone I seen were throughly enjoying themselves. A very clean, happy, nature-rich environment.
Hike wise, we started at the home of the Peacocks, we walked along the creek trail, then around the lake, through all the trees and many bird sightings. When then continued along the hill trail south of the park, then down along the Stewards Trail east of the Park, then back by the Water wheel finishing back at the Peacocks.
So, you have not been able to show up at our monthly walks? No worries. Perhaps next month.
I hope you enjoy the Pics and narratives below. I also included a few Pics from our October walk.
Of special note, Tara (see her pic below) is thinking about putting a garden together at the Park. Let me know if you have any ideas or would like to contribute your energy to this effort, and I would be happy to pass your thoughts along, or better yet, show up at our next walk and tell us what you think! THANK YOU TARA!!!!
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The rain over the last couple of days has been most welcomed – I love the rain! Went to the park for a run in the foothills late afternoon on Saturday. Always nice. After, as I rested, looking up toward the waning dusk, spire like sunrays opened the bright white silvery cover to a softened orange and red afterglow. As trails of the after sun slipped away, beyond dreams and imagination, the deep sky gave way to a universe of stars shadowed by the reflection of a near-full moon. Oh my. This place rips!
Wishing you a great November!!!
I love this time of the year… ummm, I love all times of the year!
BTW, this is the perfect time of year to see the Trees at the Park with full Fall colors – reds, yellows, purples, evergreens. Wow! A perfect day for a walk.
You’re invited to join us for our monthly Walk in the Park!
Come on out for a pleasant walk and discussion about our great park!
Looks like it’s shaping up to be a perfect morning. Cool, clear – Brilliant!
Where
Hart Park, Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
Noon to 2pm.
What we have planned:
Current Project Update. We will start with an update of the projects we are working on and projects we have planned for the future.
We’ll then take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery. It is very common to see visitors enjoying the park as they picnic, fish, boat, or just kicking back listening to music or taking in the parks quite majesty.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Hart Park is located on the north-eastern side of Bakersfield, California in Kern County and is truly a lovely place and local treasure. Bordered by the magnificent Kern River, the park is filled with various mature trees from around the world (over 100 species), a great variety of birds (including the peacocks from Tibet), vast expanses of grassy areas, (2) lakes, creeks, and large and small picnicking areas. At Hart Park you can enjoy hiking, running, swimming, bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, row boating, fishing, and more! Maybe just come out and take a nap… A beautiful place to just kick back.
We need your help!
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is a group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
Here is a picture in the foothills at Hart Park. This guy is having a good time. Notice the river below. The Disc golfers love this place.
Diggin it!
Pictures taken by Tara Nelson, circa September 2010. Thank you Tara.
Tara is a Founding Member of the Stewards of Hart Park.
All, please feel free to submit your pictures of Hart Park to stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com. We will post them here for all to enjoy.
Hummm... What's Next? Egret at Hart Park, Bakersfield, California
Looking at the World in a Different Way. Egret at Hart Park, Bakersfield, California
Just chillin! Great Blue Heron at Hart Park, Bakersfield, California
Wishing you a great fall and October!!!
You’re invited to join us for our monthly Walk in the Park!
Come on out for a pleasant walk and discussion about our great park!
Looks like it’s shaping up to be a perfect morning. Cool, clear – Brilliant!
Where
Hart Park, Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
10am to Noon.
What we have planned:
Current Project Update. We will start with an update of the projects we are working on and projects we have planned for the future.
We’ll then take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery. It is very common to see visitors enjoying the park as they picnic, fish, boat, or just kicking back listening to music or taking in the parks quite majesty.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
Hart Park is located on the north-eastern side of Bakersfield, California in Kern County and is truly a lovely place and local treasure. Bordered by the magnificent Kern River, the park is filled with various mature trees from around the world (over 100 species), a great variety of birds (including the peacocks from Tibet), vast expanses of grassy areas, (2) lakes, and large and small picnicking areas. At Hart Park you can enjoy hiking, running, swimming, bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, row boating, fishing, and more! Maybe just come out and take a nap… A beautiful place to just kick back.
We need your help!
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is a group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
Are there any good reasons to have cat at Hart Park? All things considered, we can’t seem to find any. We would certainly be happy to know your opinions.
Being a Steward of Hart Park, of course thoughts of the cats there are frequently discussed. Here are a few issues.
First, we believe, Hart Park is not a good place for abandoned cats. When you dump your cat(s) at Hart Park, you can be certain they will have a very hard and short life.
There are few gracious people who feed cats at Hart Park. Most cat feeders are temporary.
Any cat owner knows there is more to caring for cats then simply feeding them.
Hart Park is infested with diseases that kill all but the most hardy cats.
Hart Park is a feral environment for cats. They become easy prey to the natural food chain.
Kittens have no chance of survival at Hart Park. Dumping kittens at Hart Park is in effect making yourself a cat killer.
If you have a cat you no longer can keep, advertise, and give your cats away to a good home. There are plenty of people who would like your cat.
If you need a cat, go to hart park and adopt a cat. Call the SPCA or the County and they can help you get the one you like. .
I seen this picture and thought about Hart Park.
Any Volunteers?
Hello and Happy September!!!
You’re invited to join us for our monthly Walk in the Park!
Come on out for a pleasant walk and discussion about our great park!
Looks like it’s shaping up to be a perfect morning. Cool, clear – Brilliant!
Where
Hart Park, Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
Saturday September 11, 8am to 10am
What we have planned:
Current Project Update. We will start with an update of the projects we are working on and projects we have planned for the future.
We’ll then take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery. It is very common to see visitors enjoying the park as they picnic, fish, boat, or just kicking back listening to music or taking in the parks quite majesty.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
We need your help!
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
The next Stewards of Hart Park Saturday Morning Walk in the Park will be Saturday August 14. Hope to see you there. The July walk is cancelled due to vacations and others being out of Town. Enjoy your summer! Stay Cool! Kenny.
You’re invited to join us for our monthly Walk in the Park!
Come on out for a pleasant walk and discussion about our great park!
Where
Hart Park, Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
Saturday June 12, 8am to 10am
What we have planned
Current Project Update. We will start with an update of the projects we are working on and projects we have planned for the future.
We’ll then take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery. It is very common to see visitors enjoying the park as they picnic, fish, boat, or just kicking back listening to music or taking in the parks quite majesty.
We look forward to seeing you!!!
We need your help!
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
The Stewards of Hart Park is group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
Here are a few thoughts about our first annual festival held on May 22, 2010.
First I’ll say in summary, very successful, extremely well supported, and fantastic help from YOU!!!
What a great way to start a tradition of celebrating our great river and park! Long time coming! The Park is a great place to have a festival!
We had over 300 people attend, over 20 booths, local artists, food, community organizations, and a bounce house city. We gave away plenty of nice prizes, and had a cash raffle. We had several local government representatives including Mayor Harvey Hall and County Supervisor Mike Maggard speak (thank you!). The music was fantastic. oh did I say the MUSIC was FANTASTIC! The weather was perfect.
The Kern River Parkway Foundation volunteered their time and money to make this festival possible. Stellar effort!!! It was amazing to see the Foundation work together to make this event so very successful! Thank you all!!!
The support and assistance of the Kern County Parks and Recreation Department was Fantastic! Thank you Bob Lerude and Team for making this event possible and ALL THE HELP!!!
I would also like to give a special thank you to Jill Egland and her team from the Arts Council of Kern for their booth and assistance with the music. The children especially loved their arts booth!
Speaking of Music, Brandon Meng donated his time and PA equipment. He was our MC and did a great Job! Thank you!
There were SO MANY GREAT PEOPLE who made this event possible. THANK YOU!!!
We had a great time, learned alot we can apply for next year, and actually made a little money.
Thank you all for the support. I look forward to seeing you at next year’s festival and when you are looking for something to do, please do visit the Park!
Everyone did so well. I really cannot say enough about how much I appreciated everyone’s effort! There was so much community support, I jumped for Joy!
Oh yes, the Festival is tentatively being planned for May 14, 2011
It will be MUCH LARGER. I can only hope it will be as enjoyable!!!
Hope to see you around.
Kind regards,
Kenny Beal
This last Sunday on a gloriously clear, late winter day. I stumbled onto an old nature conservancy preserve east of town, off of 58, circa 1994, and dang, what did I find, the rare, endangered, and unknown to me at the time, Bakersfield Cactus. Where I found them is a secret, well sort of.
Check out this link.
http://esrp.csustan.edu/speciesprofiles/profile.php?sp=opba
Maybe we could plant some of these in Hart Park or along the Parkway.
In this post you will find updates as to the condition of the Water Wheel at Hart Park, general information, and pictures.
February 22, 2010
After all these years, the Wheel House still stands, and remains attractive to picnickers, hikers, photo hobbyist, and abandoned cats.
I’m confident the Parks and Recreation Department will continue to allow it to remain in its restful state for us to enjoy. I visited the site this morning and was pleased to see the wheel house intact.
The chain link and wood fence around the perimeter of the Wheel House keeps the public out and away from the structure and makes the location safe for visitors.
Wheel House decay continues, as has been the case for many years. El-Nino, with the associate heavy rains, accelerate decay.
The recent rain has caused more collapse, especially the upper outside quarter of the wheel and the east entrance to the generator house.
General Information
The Water Wheel at Hart Park provides photo opportunities for park visitors.
This artifact is safely fenced off from public access.
The abandoned house cats find temporary protection in the Wheel House from native coyotes, bobcats, snakes, and people. I wish people who love cats would adopt them. The house cats would be much happier then having to live in a foreign environment living in constant terror.
The wheel was built in the early thirties to supply limited hydro-wheel electricity to the park before the dam in Isabella (1950′s) was built. After the dam was built, the wheels useful life as a reliable source of electricity ended.
Restoration
The Water Wheel will never be restored to its former practical glory. The is no water to drive it.
The ideas heard from various people in our community to “restore” the Water Wheel have nothing actionable attached to their ideas. Without anything actionable, the water wheel will certainly disappear, perhaps after the next El-Nino
The Future
Efforts are underway to raise funds to create a Water Wheel Play Area, something we could all enjoy, especially our children. This effort would transform the Water Wheel into a center piece of a world class playground.
Overall, the “Water Wheel Structure” would be a Water Wheel “Look Alike” to serve as the traditional “Jungle Jim” as seen at most play grounds.
Cursory Water Wheel Play Area Construction Steps
1. Architect/Engineer captures current Water Wheel design
2. Tear down existing Water Wheel
3. Build Water Wheel look-alike Play Structure. Use material from exiting Water Wheel in new look-alike Play Structure where possible.
4. Install Water Wheel Play Structure
5. Install other complimentary play ground items keeping with the Water Wheel Theme.
Below is some general information and a few pictures of a typical Red Oak at The Park.
In the winter they are very obvious as seen by the Dark Red Colored leaves which stay on the tree versus dropping off as a typical Deciduous.
The red dead leaves fall off only as the new spring foliage begins to emerge. I noticed today many of the Red Oaks beginning to drop leaves.
All the Red Oaks I seen seemed to be fairly small (less than 25′). Not sure if they are simply young or somehow are dwarfed.
There are several in The Park.
Red Oaks are not native to our area, however, seem to be living very well.
The park is full of non-natives cohabitating with the natives nicely.
These Pictures were taken February 22 2010.
“Wood Duck In Paradise” Photo by Greg Iger, February 2010
“This is a fantastic picture of a male Wood Duck, which are relatively common at Hart Park. The female is much more subdued in color, mostly gray with whitish markings, but beautiful as well. It’s possible that the Wood Ducks are nesting on that island in the lake, which would be great!” Madi Elsea, National Audubon Society
This colorful duck is a common site at our great park and typically found close to water. The Wood Duck is one of only a few North American ducks that nest in trees. Many people consider it to be the most beautiful of all waterfowl.
They are a game bird, oh my! second only to the Mallard, however, in our park and surrounding areas they are safe, our at peace and thrive.
The Wood Duck nests in trees near water, sometimes directly over water. After hatching, the ducklings jump down from the nest tree and make their way to water. The mother calls them to her, but does not help them in any way. The ducklings may jump from heights of up to 290 ft without injury. Wild!
Wood Ducks pair up in January and regularly produces two broods in one year.
The Wood Duck eats Seeds, acorns, fruits, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. We have lots of acorns our park. They love it here.
They nest in preformed cavities in trees lined with down from the female’s breast.
Their Dabblers, they move rapidly and peck and dabble on the water surface. The may tip-up or dive for submerged food items.
Let’s Eat!
“The Rose-Ringed Parakeets are part of a flock of about 3000 that live throughout Bakersfield, including Hart Park. The legend is that they were established after the Dust Storm of 1977 when an aviary might have gotten destroyed and the birds got loose. A lot of them roost at night in the palm trees along California Ave & Union. We have a small flock in our neighborhood, numbering around 30. Beautiful birds, but not natives! ” Madi Elsea – Audubon Society
The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), also known as the Ringnecked Parakeet, is a gregarious tropical parakeet species that is popular as a pet. Its scientific name commemorates the Austrian naturalist Wilhelm Heinrich Kramer.[1]
This non-migrating species is one of few parrot species having successfully adapted to living in ‘disturbed habitats’, and in that way withstood the onslaught of urbanisation and deforestation. In the wild, this is a noisy species with an unmistakable squawking call.
The adult male sports a black neck-ring and pink nape-band while the hen and immature birds of both sexes either show no neck rings, or display shadow-like pale to dark grey neck-rings and light (lighter coloured than surroundings) nape-bands.
Below, we see a male and female resting at their home at the Park, getting ready for a night of rest. Certainly much deserved after a day of squawking at people like me!
A Happy Couple – Greg Iger Studio.
You’re invited to attend to our monthly Walk and Talk at Hart Park!
Come on out for a pleasant walk and talk about our great park, and if you like, get involved in one of our park improvement projects!
Where
Hart Park, Old Ranger Station, North-East corner of the park by the peafowl.
When
February 13th, 12pm to 4pm
What we have planned
First we’ll have a casual lunch (bring whatever you like) from around 12 pm to 1 pm. We will be talking about the upcoming Kern River Music Festival to be held at the Park on May 22!
Next, we’ll take a walk through the park for about an hour. We take a pleasant walk around our great park passing by the river, creeks, bridges, and lakes while viewing the magnificent trees, birds and other natural scenery. It is very common to see visitors enjoying the park as they picnic, fish, boat, or just kicking back listening to music or taking in the parks quite majesty.
The park at this time of the year is very pleasant and peaceful. Dress warmly!
After the walk, at around 2:00 pm, we’ll return to neighborhood of the peafowls and continue our work restoring the perimeter fence.
About the Stewards of Hart Park
The Stewards of Hart Park is group of volunteers who are willing to take action to preserve and improve Hart Park. We just don’t sit around complaining and whining expecting others to take care of our great park. The time is now to get involved to make our community a great place to live.
The time is now for you to take action and join our group to help preserve and improve Hart Park. If not Hart Park, please lend a hand somewhere.
Please feel free to email us at stewardsofhartpark@gmail.com or visit our website at kernriverpark.org
Kind Regards,
Kenny Beal
Let us not forget the option to use People Power to preserve and improve our great park. Here are a couple of examples of what we can do with our will.
“Lake” being Hand Dug in 1933.
Completed Lake. View of East End.
Ah yes, the Hand Built Water Wheel, again completed in 1933. A very busy time at the Park. The WPA in action.
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