Ryan Alsop - Kern CAO

When it comes to the future of Hart Park and all of Kern County’s parks, Ryan Alsop is willing to stick his neck out.

The county’s new chief administrative officer inherited plenty of problems, including a budget crisis that could humble ambitions in even the most determined of men.

Nevertheless, Alsop is adamant about the county’s parks.

“This is a big priority of mine,” he said. “Parks are a big priority for this CAO.”

More than two months after county supervisors put on hold a proposal to charge a $5 parking fee at Hart Park, Alsop said he and his staff are working hard to develop a vision, a plan for the parks.

Where is the money being spent? How is it being spent? Is it being spent as efficiently as possible? These and other questions must be answered before a comprehensive plan can be formed.

“It’s a big data sheet with lots of numbers,” Alsop said.

And the odds are steep.

“I am not satisfied with the state of our parks,” he insisted. “We can do better.”