McKinley Elementary brings back Nature Peace Trail for students

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — It’s back and better than ever.

McKinley Elementary is welcoming back its nature trail, after half a year of beautification work by community members.

“It’s going to be really relaxing and I think it’s going to help a lot of kids out with their problems when they’re walking it,” 5th grade student, Amberlee Perez, said. “And I think it’s really cool and really fun.”

The 2024 Leadership Bakersfield Team 3 and Garces Memorial High School students were all-hands-on-deck to make this possible.

“Historic school,” said Zechariah Garcia with the City of Bakersfield, “McKinley Elementary has been here since the ’60s, and this once was a trail at one point in time and then just became dilapidated.”

“When we first came out here, it was just grass pretty much up to my knees and it was very daunting and overwhelming, but we spent a lot of time and sweat equity over the summer,” Matthew Dobbs with Leadership Bakersfield, said.

The trail now gives these little ones the perfect place to take a break from the screens .

“You always hear the term ‘iPad kids’ they’re on their PlayStation all the time,” said Dobbs, “So this is just something that seems so different.”

A special corner made for more.

“We’re hoping that what we’ve done here today is contagious, and it’ll inspire other people who are wanting to do the same thing either at their local school or maybe in a public area that needs much needed green space,” Garcia said.

“I like exploring nature, especially the flowers,” said Amberlee.

Is there a nature area that you want to beautify in your school or community? Contact the Leadership Bakersfield Team 3 through the email cclbteam3@gmail.com.

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