Photos by Catherine Stachowiak
At the official ribbon-cutting opening of the George and Darlene Randall Skate Park in Lake Isabella Friday morning, July 12, Kern River Radio called off raffle numbers for free tickets, for raffle prizes. Kids were winning their choice of scooters or skateboards among other big prizes.
Water slides were a big draw at the event for kids playing in the high digit heat wave weather that humid day.
Other events at the occasion included a skateboard rodeo and a skate obstacle course, which police officiated.
Kenzie Smith was one of the lucky winners, of the raffle that day, posing with her family at the winner photo stage.
There were no limits that day with kids riding their bikes, roller blades, scooters, and skateboards, giving “skate park” a much broader definition than expected.
“Good morning everyone. Welcome to this amazing occasion.” said Kern County’s chief communications officer Ally Triolo, who was master of ceremonies. “We’re going to be hearing from our dignitaries (and) some members of your community that worked so hard to make this a reality.”
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 funds to help it become a reality. Fortunately we were able to prioritize this project. And through a lot of planning and hard work by our county staff, along with help from the community, we’ve been able to invest roughly $800,000 needed to make this park a reality.”
Peters recognized the efforts of Karene Williams, who recently passed away, but worked tirelessly during her lifetime for many years to help raise the money to make the skate park a reality.
Two parties from the Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department, Supervising Planner James Golden, and Division Chief Dennis McNamara both worked tirelessly to make the park a reality. Among donors toward the skate park was Tony Hawk Foundation.
Also receiving recognition was Teresa Contreras, the founder of the Skate Park Committee with the California Recreation Foundation. Contreras honored George and Darlene Randall saying, “Let us take a moment to reflect on the wonderful impact they’ve had on our youth and the community.” She noted that the Randalls were committed to making the valley a better place. She also gave a special thanks in memory of Karene Williams, who was the back bone of this project, spending years, and writing over a dozen grants to make the project a reality.
Also invited to speak at the podium was Eric Simpson of Hopester, who mentioned the non profit the Kern River Valley Bridge Connection, and said, “I got the be part of this Neighbor to Neighbor Grant, targeted at bringing community together, letting you have a voice and a part of bringing this community back.”
Kern County Cheif 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 Senator Shannon Grove’s and Congressman Vince Fong’s offices presented the Skate Park Committee volunteers with certificates of honorary recognition for their hard work toward opening the George and Darlene Randall Skate Park.
Vendors present at the Block Party 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 famed Mike G spray painting skaters’ helmets.
