Bakersfield, a small city, offers 60+ parks and tight-knit communities, ideal for nature lovers and young families relocating to California.
Riverwalk Bakersfield, a beloved 32-acre park, features two lakes connected by a stream. It’s near Kern River Bike Trail and offers easy access to Calloway Drive Interchange and Westside Parkway.
During development between Stockdale Highway, Buena Vista Road, and the Kern River, an odd-shaped lot with limited street access formed. Consequently, the developer decided to donate this land to the City of Bakersfield in 1995.
The park opened to the public in 2006 after years of planning and development.
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Activities You Can Do in Riverwalk Park Bakersfield
Bring your fishing gear.
The park has 2 lakes, totaling 5 acres, serving as groundwater recharge basins. The smaller lower lake is a favored fishing spot among locals. The annual Fishing Derby restocks the lake with rainbow trout, crappie, and more, courtesy of the Sheriff’s Office.
If you catch a tagged fish, you’ll win a $200 cash prize. Anglers who catch the top three largest fish also receive awards.The Kern County Sheriff started this annual event in 2004 to raise funds to support several youth development programs.
Note: The ingenious design of the lakes and streams ensures that no water is wasted. Water comes from the Pioneer Canal’s groundwater recharge basins, with “surplus” returning to the Kern River.
Attend concert and movie screenings.
At the heart of the park sits the Bright House Amphitheater, a 4,000-person outdoor venue for concerts and movie screenings. From afar, the stage looks like an island surrounded by a lake and a running stream in front.
The stage itself is made of rock and steel, designed to appear like an island surrounded by water that separates it from the audience. While it has a 3,000 square feet space and over 28 feet of cross beams to accommodate lighting and sound equipment, the space is versatile enough to be converted into a venue for smaller, more intimate concerts.
Take a relaxing stroll.
The park contains native plant species and shade trees, making it perfect for your morning or afternoon stroll. Additionally, it’s particularly enjoyable on weekdays with fewer visitors.
Meanwhile, Riverwalk Park is a pet-friendly public park, so you may want to bring along your dogs and let them take a dip in the lakes or streams.
Host a birthday party.
Abundantly shaded picnic spots and grills throughout the park make it an ideal venue for family gatherings and birthday parties.
Try the Kern River Bike Trail.
The Kern River Bike Trail runs outside the park, offering a breathtaking river view during exercise. It suits all skill levels and is best used from April to October for milder weather.
Dogs can also use this, but they must be kept on a leash.
Nearby Areas
Adjacent to the public park lies a myriad of food hubs that have become the town’s favorite such as P.F. Chang, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Eureka!, Viceroy Indian Cuisine & Bar, Sol y Luna, PizzaRev, and Panera Bread.
Bakersfield’s Riverwalk Park: A Recap of Experiences
Riverwalk Park in Bakersfield is more than just a green space – it’s a hub of activities, nature, and community. It’s a place where you can cast a line into the shimmering lake, watch an outdoor concert under the stars, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll amidst native flora.
The park’s ample picnic spots provide an idyllic setting for family gatherings. At the same time, the proximity to the Kern River Bike Trail makes it a perfect start or endpoint for your cycling adventures. Plus, with an array of local eateries just around the corner, you can easily turn your park visit into a full day’s adventure.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Riverwalk Park offers a unique taste of the outdoors in Bakersfield, reminding us that the joy of discovery can often be found in our own backyards.
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