BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — For many parents of children with autism, a trip to the park can come with constant worry about a child wandering off.
A new fence at Wilson Park in Bakersfield can help prevent that by enclosing the play area.
Fran Medrano, founder of the nonprofit Alongside Autism, started a petition in 2025 asking the city to add safety fences at Bakersfield parks.
About a year after the petition began, a fence has now been installed around the play area at Wilson Park.
“If we could just have a park where moms with autism can go and enjoy themselves. That would just change so many lives,” Medrano said.
Medrano said the petition began after parents raised safety concerns, including children who often wander away.
Wilson Park will see new improvements as the city plans to create new pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
She said the fence at Wilson Park is a first step that could help more families feel comfortable taking their kids to play.
“This is a great place to start, where you can see a park is on a very busy street, and even, you know, neurotypical kids, they might run off into the street, and it’s a safety concern for everybody,” she said.
Since June, the petition has gathered several signatures, with many parents saying fenced play areas could make parks more accessible for children on the spectrum.
“I think this makes a huge impact,” she said, “I mean, it’s good for us to be out and playing at the park. We can’t do that if it’s not safe.”
Medrano said the city first learned about the issue through her petition and emails to city leaders, and that those messages led to conversations about possible safety changes.
Wilson Park will see new improvements as the city plans to create new pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
“The city was super receptive. They took everything that I said, and really listened to us, and they were more than willing to hear, um, us moms out,” she said.
The city and the Parks and Recreation Department were contacted for an interview, but they were not available.
Medrano encouraged others who want to see changes in their community to speak up, saying her experience showed her that people do listen.