July 2022 - California State Parks announced recommendations to the National Park Service for $45 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants, $1,280,475 of which is awarded to North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) for the renovation of Standard Park, located in Oildale at Minner Avenue and Doyle Street. LWCF grant monies are a 50% match for the project, totaling an estimated $2.56 million. See California State Parks' press release here.

Since 1965, Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, offered by the National Park Service and administered by California State Parks, have funded more than 7,400 park acquisition, construction or improvement projects throughout the state. North of the River Recreation and Park District is the recipient of over $2.8 million in LWCF grants alone, funding projects at 14 of the District’s 24 park sites and constructing many playgrounds, picnic areas, lit sports fields and walkways. Most recently, the District was awarded LWCF monies for the construction of North Beardsley Skatepark, opened in September 2018. Learn more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund here.

We are excited to move forward to a fresh beginning at Standard Park! Of the 16 recommended projects throughout the state, North of the River Recreation and Park District has the only project awarded from Kern County. Standard Park’s renovation includes the improvement of over 80% of the park site, including turf playing fields, a new irrigation system, water efficient planter areas, a new playground and picnic areas. The highlight of the project will be the addition of a dog park, the community’s most requested amenity. We request your patience as final contracts for funding will not be let until the latter part of 2023. Rest assured, NOR is working diligently behind the scenes planning and creating the new Standard Park!

As part of the Stockdale River Ranch 565 acre master planned community, the multi-phase park will be approximately 22 acres in size. This community park at full buildout will feature multi-use fields, youth/adult softball fields, a dog park, playgrounds, group picnic areas, multi-use sports courts and open space. Stockdale River Ranch Park will incorporate water-wise plantings, smart irrigation, green infrastructure to support habitat and continue North of the River Recreation and Park District's commitment to providing recreation and park opportunities for generations to come. A portion of the park is reserved for the construction of a future community center, proposed by NOR based on level of service needed. Concept and design for the park site are in production, the community center is not a part of the project at this time.

Bolthouse Properties and North of the River Recreation and Park District broke ground on Phase I of Stockdale River Ranch Park on June 1, 2023. Phase I is approximately 8 acres in size and will be the 25th park site within the District. 

Austin Creek Park will be located off Jenkins Road and Hageman Road in Northwest Bakersfield. This park will be an approximately 10 acre neighborhood park and is focused for close-to-home participants and activities. Future amenities may include, but are not limited to: children’s play areas, picnic facilities, basketball and/or multi-use courts with lighting, multi-use playfield areas, restrooms, off-street parking security lighting and associated improvements common with NOR’s neighborhood park recommendations.

This future park site will be located in the southwest corner of future Etchart Road and Coffee road. At approximately 6 acres is size, the land will be designated as a neighborhood park.

This future park site will be located in the general vicinity of Nord Road and Hageman Road. At approximately 10 acres is size, the land will be designated as a neighborhood park.

Rosedale Park will be located off Rosedale Highway between Old Farm Road and Jewetta Avenue. This future community park will be 20 acres in size and future amenities may include, but are not limited to children’s play areas, picnic facilities, a multi-field softball complex, basketball and/or multi-use courts with lighting, multi-use playfield areas, restrooms, off street parking, security lighting and associated improvements common with NOR’s community park standards.