Legacy & Learning

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Everyone knows you can’t put a price on fun. Technically speaking, though, fun can cost you. Ever check your bank account after a trip to Disneyland or Six Flags?

So what’s a parent to do?

The solution has actually been around for over 50 years. And believe it or not it doesn’t involve driving south. All it takes is a little stroll north...north of the river, that is.

North of the River (NOR) has been providing free (not a typo) fun for kids and families for so long it almost seems silly that more people aren’t talking about the programs and classes available to residents. After all, generations of kids have grown up with NOR programs.

“Because the district is comprised of 215 square miles and six school districts, we say that the NOR boundaries are everything north of Stockdale Highway and west of Highway 99,” Roger Perez, the marketing director for NOR, says, chuckling.

“NOR was started by a group of moms in 1955 who wanted a pool,” Perez explains of the district’s simple beginnings.

It wasn’t until 1960 that the organization incorporated park operations and really began expanding its community goings-on.

“The philosophy has always been about providing fun for kids and families,” he adds. “It’s a little different from other city organizations, because NOR was created specifically for a community’s use. That’s what a park should really be; it should be the center of family gatherings.”

NOR offers over 200 classes and programs each year for public participation. That public is made up of over 120,000 residents within the NOR boundaries. Of course, everyone in Bakersfield can enjoy the services; you don’t have to be from NOR to experience what they’re offering.

“We want people to become a part of the community. So we do things on a grand scale and on a smaller scale,” Perez continues.

“Our Reel Fun Fishout and our Christmas Parade can attract thousands of people. But we also put on smaller BBQs and picnics at each park. We want to give residents something to do with their families and keep kids entertained.”

And entertain the little ones they do, with father-son campouts, daddy-daughter dances, T-ball, baseball, and junior theater. Those are just the tip of the iceberg.

NOR does raise money through a select few classes and programs. The cost can usually be attributed to necessary equipment, but it’s minimal when one figures how much fun will be had.

While there are arts and crafts classes, encouraging each child to be creative while painting or crafting safari-themed animals (for example), the majority of classes encourage physical activity and provide the child with a lifelong skill.

Guitar lessons, rock climbing classes, and cooking instruction for as little as $15 make up just part of the list. For older kids Lifeguard Training and Certification class is only $90 or $80 for residents of NOR.

The types of classes offered are intended to not only teach children (of all ages) in the NOR community, but to empower them, and show them a good time.

That’s why there is a karate and self defense class for kids. As well as one for gymnastics. And there are dance classes as well.

However, because a majority of their funding comes from grants and donations via their not-for-profit foundation, NOR needs the help of some very dedicated community members to operate on the level they do.

That support comes from volunteers, many of whom have children who benefit greatly from NOR programs. And a few of them were even involved in NOR activities as kids.

One such fellow is Ike Hornsby.

“I started with NOR when I was 5 years old,” he says. “My dad coached baseball for NOR and I grew up through their sports. And I learned how to swim in an NOR pool.”

Not only is Hornsby a coach now himself, but he’s kept his dad and eldest son on as assistant coaches for the baseball team he works with—two of the players are his twin sons.

“That’s three generations in one coaching staff,” he adds, smiling.

“These sports programs give kids something to do, and they keep them out of trouble. Kids learn sportsmanship and the fundamentals of sports, but in a fun way.

“It’s not like sports at school where you’ve got try-outs and you have to make the team. NOR encourages everyone to play; anyone who wants to be on the team can be. It can give these kids a sense of worth.”

They can learn the importance of community values, fairness, respect. At the same time, they will get the on-field experience needed to improve their game.

“I started coaching in 1985 as a high school kid,” Hornsby says. “And I’ve been coaching ever since.” Every year he comes across a number of great kids who benefit from NOR programs.

“Last summer, I coached a kid who hadn’t played ball in a long time. He’s what you’d call a late bloomer when it came to sports. But he worked hard. Our last game of the year, he steps up to bat with two outs and hits one over the center fielder’s head. Of course, I gave him the game ball. I heard from his parents he still has it above his bed.”

These are exactly the types of things that can draw families together and make a parent swell with pride.

But it’s not just sporting events that have parents cheering. And Kristal Burton is a mom who does her fair share of cheering.

Her daughters, Kaitlin and Ashlee, have been in numerous plays put on through NOR’s Junior Theater. Son Jacob, only a little over two years of age, has already been in a play.

“We just love to get out of the house as a family,” Burton explains.

While the girls have both utilized NOR for swimming lessons, it’s the theater that caught their attention.

For 10-year-old Kaitlin, however, it seems like more of a calling. Just barely into double-digits, she’s already been in over 15 plays.

“You get to meet new friends,” she says. “And learn how to be comfortable being up in front of people.”

She’s starred in The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte’s Web, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Beauty and the Beast.

The youngster is also worldly enough to recognize the good that can come out of acting.

“Having to memorize lines all the time helps me with math. I am better at memorizing math problems and numbers.”

“I really do like them being involved with the theater,” Burton continues. “It’s fun for me to watch, but they do it because they want to. It helps them realize all the possibilities for them in the world. They can experience many different activities and find one that they like. NOR offers so many kinds of things that these kids have great options to choose from. It’s not just sports and theater, there are tons of activities that get them involved in the community.”

For Burton, attending the rehearsals and the plays is a great way to bond with her daughters. It’s also a good way to interact with other families in the area. Proof of that will be the families that come to see the latest production from NOR Junior Theater: Aladdin. With performances in early May, the kids are well into rehearsals.

“I get to watch them grow into their own people,” she adds. “They’re out there having fun with other children in the community, but they’re learning, too.”

And isn’t that the point? Having a good time, but coming away with something that will last a lifetime?

Article appeared in our 27-1 Issue - April 2010