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Kern Gateway Trail petition wins council support; staff asked to prepare resolution
Summary
Backed by a petition of more than 2,100 signatures, speakers urged council support for a proposed 15-mile Kern Gateway Trail; councilmembers referred the idea for a staff-prepared resolution to explore city partnership possibilities.
Jonathan Yates, representing the Kern Gateway Trail Committee and the Kern River Parkway Foundation, asked the council to back a proposal for more than 15 miles of new hiking trails in the lower Kern Canyon, telling the council he has gathered a petition with over 2,100 signatures and proposing partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, FERC and Southern California Edison.
Councilmembers who had hiked portions of the proposed trail—Councilmember Smith, Vice Mayor Gonzales and Councilmember Core—expressed support and asked staff to prepare a resolution or return with options so the city can help partner on the trail as a regional amenity. Leah Carter, a public-health advocate and organizer of a local hiking club, told council members the trail would draw visitors to Bakersfield and support public health by encouraging outdoor activity.
Councilmember Smith asked staff to draft a resolution of support and return it for council consideration; staff did not identify a formal funding or timeline commitment at the meeting. The council’s response was supportive and directed staff to consider how Bakersfield could partner with existing groups on the trail’s development.
