Derby Acres losing its only park due to state regulation

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A small community in western Kern County is losing its only park. Derby Acres Park will close because the oil company that owns the land is forfeiting its contract with the county.

Kern County District 4 supervisor David Couch announced the park is closing, because of a new state law requiring oil wells to be at least 3,200 feet from houses, schools, and parks.

The county leases the land from Berry Corporation, an oil company, and the company sent a letter forfeiting the lease in the next year.

“If Derby Acres has anything … they have Derby Acres Park, and very little else,” said Couch.

The town has a population of over 400 people and from there you can see the wells only a few hundred feet away.

“I don’t think it’s fair that they want to take the park away from the kids,” Dessalynn Fool, a Derby Acres resident. “I mean, have the oil fields you have lots, let the kids have the park.”

Fool says that if this park goes, the next closest park is in Taft — 11 miles away. “I’m sure they remember being at the park when they were kids, so just let them enjoy it.”

Berry Corporation released a statement Thursday saying, that due to new state regulations, Berry has no option but to end its lease with the county in order to ensure compliance with the state law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.