This used to be the park you avoided

Rexland Acres Park in Southeast Bakersfield has suffered the fate of many public parks -- gang presence, drugs and alcohol, and a generally unsafe atmosphere amidst the playground and picnic tables.  Families had abandoned the park, but Kern County recently finished visible improvements that community members hope will help children and families reclaim the park, including a new pedestrian path, a freshly paved parking lot, and renovations to the basketball courts.  “The kids need something to do besides TV and [they need] a place to go to play that’s also nearby."   But more improvements to parks are needed, residents told South Kern Sol.