BAKERSFIELD, CA. — Local parent, Rueben Avila, said he is concerned with violence, drugs and alcohol at North Beardsley Skatepark in Oildale.
"Everyday it is something, if it is not the violence, it is the smoking, if its not the smoking, it is the the drinking," Avila said.
Avila takes his 9-year-old son to the skate park three times a week. But he is always on high alert.
His most recent scare was when he said his son's friend almost got jumped.
"I couldn't find him. I looked over to the side and they had him surrounded outside of the park. I walked over there and they kinda all just walked away," Avila said.
The park has a violent history. In 2018, video obtained by 23ABC showed three girls attack a woman at the skate park. Avila said fights like that happen often.
The Kern County Sheriff's Office said deputies have responded to the park 20 times in the last month. They were from calls ranging from assault with a deadly weapon, fights and peace disturbances.
We reached out to officials with North of the River Recreation and Park District. They said park rangers monitor the park until 11 p.m.
However, N.O.R officials said they have received more positive feedback than negative since the skate park opened.
N.O.R. officials urge people to report problems to the park ranger by calling 343-1009. If it is at night, you can call 343-0702.
If you see anything illegal happen -- you should also contact KCSO at 391-7500.
