BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Parents of children on the autism spectrum gathered at Wilson Park to celebrate something they have long advocated for: secure fencing to help keep their children safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt just gives families peace of mind and really, a safer place where kids can just be kids,\u201d said Fran Mandreno.<\/p>\n
The newly installed safety fence now surrounds the park, offering families an added layer of security in a space designed for all children.<\/p>\n
The project began as a small online petition through Madreno\u2019s organization, Alongside Autism, calling for safer play areas for children with autism. <\/p>\n
What started with just a few signatures quickly grew to more than 1,000, as families across the community rallied behind the effort.<\/p>\n
Madreno, who has been vocal about safety concerns, previously pointed out the risks posed by nearby traffic.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you can see, there are a ton of cars around here, so adding a fence really helps,\u201d she said. \u201cIt keeps kids from wandering into the street or ending up in a dangerous situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her advocacy is now being recognized by city leaders, including Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, who joined in celebrating the park\u2019s improvements.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re celebrating this park for our friends with autism, making sure they have a safe, enclosed space,\u201d Goh said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t have something like this before.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Madreno, the effort is personal. <\/p>\n
She said her 7-year-old son, Andrew, inspired her to push for change.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis shows the city really cares about all kids,\u201d she said. \u201cWhether they\u2019re neurotypical, nonverbal, or have different needs, they care about him and every child.\u201d<\/p>\n
The park\u2019s design was led by City of Bakersfield Park Services Coordinator Carlos Garcia, who worked with a $30,000 budget to incorporate shaded areas, secure gates and sensory-friendly features in the cities piolet program starting at Wilson Park.<\/p>\n
Garcia said the project resonated with him on a personal level.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I heard this was for kids with special needs, I took it personally,\u201d he said. \u201cI have a child with special needs, so I understand the level of care they need and how important it is for them to have a place like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parents like Heather Lopez say the fencing is a step in the right direction, but more work remains.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully now the city sees the need, and when new parks are built, this becomes the standard for all kids,\u201d Lopez said.<\/p>\n
While families are celebrating the improvements at Wilson Park, many say they will continue advocating for similar safety measures at parks across Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
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