Proposed California Off-Road Park Clears One Hurdle
The Kern County Planning Commission voted to grant the state of California a
conditional use permit for a proposed Bakersfield off-road park.
For decades off-road enthusiasts recreated on the hills northeast of Bakersfield. In recent years that part of the county has seen a large amount of commercial and residential development, leaving the off-roaders nowhere to recreate.
The meeting was attended by more than 300 supporters. Many of them wore neon green buttons saying I Support Off-Road Recreation. The buttons were provided by the Kern Off-Highway Vehicle Association (KOHVA).
The state has the option to buy the land for between $8.8 million and $11 million. The Kern County Board of Supervisors now needs to give their approval to the conditional use permit .
KOHVA has been working with state and local officials to find a location for an off-road park since 2001.