Skatepark opens after 20 years –

Photos by Catherine Stachowiak

At the official opening of the George and Darlene Randall Skate Park in Lake Isabella on Friday morning, July 12, Kern River Radio called out the lottery numbers for free tickets, for raffle prizes. Children won their choice of scooters or skateboards, among other big prizes.

The water slides were a big draw for children playing on that humid day during the heat wave.

Other events during the event included a skateboard rodeo and a skate obstacle course, led by police.

Kenzie Smith was one of the lucky winners of the lottery that day. She posed with her family on stage for the winner’s photo.

That day there were no limits to the number of kids riding their bikes, roller skates, scooters and skateboards, making the definition of ‘skate park’ much broader than expected.

“Good morning, everyone. Welcome to this wonderful occasion,” said Ally Triolo, Kern County’s communications director and master of ceremonies. “We’re going to hear from our dignitaries (and) some of the members of your community who have worked so hard to make this happen.”

Triolo then introduced Kern County’s First District Supervisor Phillip Peters who said, “For over 20 years, community members have been advocating for this project and raising money to make it a reality. Fortunately, we were able to prioritize this project. And through a lot of planning and hard work from our county staff, along with help from the community, we were able to invest approximately $800,000 to make this park a reality.”

Peters acknowledged the efforts of Karene Williams, who recently passed away but worked tirelessly during her lifetime to raise money to build the skate park.

Two parties from the Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department, Supervising Planner James Golden and Division Chief Dennis McNamara worked tirelessly to make the park a reality. Among the skate park’s donors was the Tony Hawk Foundation.

Also recognized was Teresa Contreras, founder of the Skate Park Committee with the California Recreation Foundation. Contreras honored George and Darlene Randall by saying, “Let’s take a moment to recognize the tremendous impact they’ve had on our youth and the community.” She noted that the Randalls are committed to making the Valley a better place. She also gave a special thank you to Karene Williams, who was the backbone of this project, working for years and writing more than a dozen grants to make it a reality.

Eric Simpson of Hopester was also invited to speak on stage. He mentioned the nonprofit Kern River Valley Bridge Connection and said, “I’ve been given the opportunity to be a part of this Neighbor to Neighbor Grant, which is all about bringing the community together so you can have a voice and be a part of bringing this community back.”

Kern County Chief Economic Development Officer Jim Damian said, “This is an overnight success that took 20 years. You did it. So congratulations.”

Supervisor Peters and representatives from the offices of Senator Shannon Grove and Congressman Vince Fong presented the Skate Park Committee volunteers with certificates of honorary recognition for their hard work in opening the George and Darlene Randall Skate Park.

Vendors representing the Neighbor to Neighbor Grant included Sierra Shared Spaces, Kern River Valley Bridge Connection, Kern River Valley Art Association, Family Resource Center, Kern River Valley Branch Library, CERT, Cadillac Dogs, California CHP and the famous Mike G who spray paints skater helmets.