For years, the owner of Claggs kayak rentals has raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions at Hart Park, only to be pushed aside while the situation worsened. Today, the park is at its most unsafe. Despite repeated reports of hazards, structural issues, and neglected maintenance, the county has failed to take meaningful action.

Now, the long‑standing local business that has done everything legally possible to maintain the area has been issued a notice to halt all watercraft operations. Even after being shut down, this business continues to fight for the park, for the community, and for the children who rely on this space.

Hart Park has always been more than just a park. It’s a place where families gather, where kids learn to explore nature, and where local summer programs bring children to experience the water safely. Claggs Kayak Rentals has been a vital resource in making that possible for so many years.

Our community deserves a safe, well‑maintained park. Our children deserve a place to learn, play, and grow. And this business — which has supported Hart Park long before the county stepped in — deserves to be heard, not silenced.

By standing together, our voices become impossible to ignore. Together, we can demand the safety, accountability, and respect that Hart Park and its community have long been denied.

Request for Immediate Inspection, Public Reporting, and Remediation of Unsafe Conditions at Hart Park, and Fair Consideration for Long‑Standing Community Businesses Operating Within the Park

Statement of Purpose

This petition is submitted by residents, visitors, and community members of Kern County who seek immediate county action to address deteriorating safety and infrastructure conditions at Hart Park. These conditions have impacted public safety and have placed undue burden on a long‑standing local business that has served the community for many years.

Findings

Based on community observation and long‑term use of Hart Park, the undersigned identify the following concerns:

1. Structural deterioration, including foundation issues and infrastructure failures, has been observed in areas maintained by the County.
2. These conditions pose safety risks to children, families, and the general public.
3. A long‑standing local business operating within Hart Park has been negatively affected by these unresolved hazards despite its history of contributing to park activity and community engagement.
4. The responsibility for structural maintenance, safety compliance, and public‑use readiness lies with Kern County, not with private operators or community members.
5. If the County has determined that conditions are unsafe for business operations, then those same conditions may render the park unsafe for public use.

Requested County Actions

The undersigned respectfully request that Kern County take the following actions:

1. Conduct a comprehensive safety and structural inspection of Hart Park within a reasonable and publicly stated timeframe.
2. Publish a formal report detailing all identified hazards, liabilities, and required repairs.
3. Develop and release a remediation plan, including timelines and responsible departments, to restore the park to safe operating conditions.
4. Provide fair and consistent support to the long‑standing business affected by these conditions, including clear communication and equitable treatment.
5. Ensure ongoing compliance with public safety standards for all areas of Hart Park accessible to the public.

Statement of Community Interest

Hart Park is a vital public resource. The community has a vested interest in ensuring that the park remains safe, accessible, and properly maintained. The business affected by these conditions has contributed significantly to the park’s activity and reputation and deserves fair treatment and county accountability.

By signing below, I affirm that I support the actions requested in the "Petition for County Action Regarding Safety and Infrastructure at Hart Park." I understand that my name, city of residence, and signature may be included in a public submission to Kern County officials.