Hart Memorial Park

Hart Memorial Park is a 370-acre outdoor event and recreation destination set along the Kern River, eight miles northeast of Bakersfield on Alfred Harrell Highway. One of Kern County's oldest parks, it was dedicated in 1929 as Kern River Park and renamed in 1947 to honor County Supervisor John O. Hart. The park serves as the centerpiece of the 1,012-acre Kern River County Park complex. Two large group picnic areas are available for private events: the unfenced Hart Park Section 7 Picnic Ground and the fenced and gated Golf Course Picnic Ground. Both grounds accommodate large gatherings and are equipped with a bandstand, deep pit barbecues, propane-burner grills, food preparation tables, and picnic tables. The park has hosted weddings, family reunions, and company picnics. Reservations and permits through Kern County Parks and Recreation are required for group use of either picnic ground. The Hart Park Field Office can be reached at (661) 872-3179.