changelabsolutions.org 20 Regardless of funding sources, the task for advocates and parks professionals will be to make elected officials in their communities, as well as the general public, prioritize this issue and allocate funds to create and maintain adequate parks, open space, and recreational opportunities for the entire community. Community Example Bakersfield, CA: Successful Partnerships to Improve Recreational Opportunities The City of Bakersfield has successfully negotiated and entered into numerous partnerships with private businesses to fund recreational facilities. In one partnership, the City entered into a naming rights agreement with State Farm Insurance four years ago for the State Farm Sports Village, a master-planned park of 170 acres that is to be built in stages. The park currently includes eight lighted soccer fields, four regular soccer fields, and four youth football fields with restrooms and concessions. Under construction are a stadium field, additional entrance, children’s playground, picnic areas, and numerous walking paths. State Farm agreed to pay $500,000 toward the construction of the park within the first two years of the approved agreement. The entire park is irrigated with tertiary water from the city’s adjacent water treatment plant. This is one of many sponsorship agreements Bakersfield has successfully implemented. Key Resources Supporting Our Parks: A Guide to Alternative Revenue Strategies (New Yorkers for Parks) Revitalizing Inner City Parks: New Funding Options Can Address the Needs of Underserved Urban Communities (National Recreation and Park Association) Five Innovative Ideas for Funding Parks and Open Space (New York Zoning Law and Practice Report)
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