On November 7, Bakersfield welcomed its newest green space with the grand opening of Linnell-Brahma Park, a $5.5 million addition that brings a refreshing green space to the city’s southeast neighborhood at 6210 Brahma Street. The project reflects Bakersfield’s continued investment in community health, recreation, and neighborhood revitalization.
Acting Director of the City of Bakersfield’s Recreation & Parks Department, Darrin Budak, expressed gratitude for the park’s completion, which has been eagerly awaited by many residents.
“This park has been a long time coming,” Budak shared. “As many of the residents will tell you, it’s taken us a while to get to this park, but it’s definitely worth its wait.”
A significant portion of the funding, over $3 million, came from the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant, also known as Proposition 68. This state grant, awarded in 2020, alleviated much of the financial burden, allowing the city to allocate local funds toward additional projects that support public safety and infrastructure in southeast Bakersfield.
Marking the city’s 65th public park, Linnell-Brahma Park offers a variety of features that appeal to families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The five-acre park includes two shaded playgrounds for young children, one for ages two to five and another for ages five to 12, creating safe and engaging spaces for kids of different ages. The park’s amenities also include a shaded fitness station designed to promote exercise in a natural setting, as well as sand volleyball courts, a half-court basketball area, and picnic shelters furnished with tables and barbecue grills that invite families and friends to gather.
Adding to the park’s charm, a six-foot-wide, multi-use path encircles the grounds, encouraging walking, jogging, and leisurely strolls for visitors of all ages. The pathway underscores the city’s commitment to fostering an active lifestyle for its residents while offering an accessible space where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Bakersfield City Councilmember Eric Arias, a strong advocate for the project, praised the community’s involvement in making the park a reality. “Residents here have always said that ‘we deserve the absolute best in the City of Bakersfield,’ and I think that this is embodied right here in this park,” stated Councilmember Arias, who commended the community’s resilience and commitment to the project.
In line with Prop 68’s emphasis on community engagement, Bakersfield enlisted local artist Jesse Moreno to create a vibrant mural as part of the park’s design. Reflecting the neighborhood’s spirit, the mural was a collaborative effort; community members were invited to vote on the final design, and Moreno even invited locals to help paint it. “This mural wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s involvement,” Moreno said, expressing appreciation for the residents who brought the artwork to life.
The opening of Linnell-Brahma Park stands as a symbol of Bakersfield’s ongoing investment in building community-centered spaces that provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and art appreciation.
In addition to the community voting on the final design of the mural, artist Jesse Moreno invited the surrounding community to help him paint it and thanked the community for helping make it happen.
