Grant to fund solar lights in California City "Borax Bill Park"
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Monday, April 19,
2004.
By ALLISON GATLIN
Valley Press Staff Writer
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CALIFORNIA CITY - California City officials have secured a $37,000
grant for improvements to Borax Bill Park, "an oasis in the desert" used
by off-road enthusiasts and area campers.
The grant comes from the Kern County Parks and Recreation Commission's
green-sticker program, which collects fees from users of off-road and recreational
vehicles.
The money will be used to install solar lighting for increased safety and use, said Michele Hornback, Parks and Recreation supervisor. "It's going to cost the city absolutely nothing to run these," she said.
Borax Bill Park was first established about 30 years ago on Twenty Mule Team Road about eight miles outside the main part of the city, City Manager Jack Stewart said. It fell into disrepair until the city began an improvement project about two years ago with a $90,000 state grant.
"We brought the park back, put in gazebos, benches, barbecue grills and restroom and shower facilities," Stewart said. "Now we're continuing."
The site totals 40 acres, but only about 10 acres are developed with landscaping and other amenities.
The day-use park is utilized by the many visitors who come for the area's off-road trails and recreational vehicle camping opportunities, Stewart said. Trails from the park lead to off-road use areas.
On the weekends, information is available on safety, trails, the environment and other topics of area interest. A full-time camp host stays at the park to provide assistance. "It's more of a rest and information area," Stewart said.
On busy weekends, the park also is a staging site for the California City Police Department's Desert Incident Response Team. This operation, also funded by a grant and using volunteers, responds to emergency situations in the desert off-road areas and provides information and assistance to visitors.
agatlin@avpress.com
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