Mill Creek Linear Park received a "Great Places in America: Public Spaces" recognition.

One of Bakersfield, California's best kept secrets is the Mill Creek Linear Park. This meandering 1.5-mile urban trail connects the downtown area with a multimodal, waterfront path that invites locals and visitors to head outdoors to explore downtown.

Formerly an irrigation canal characterized by its dirt riverbanks and chain link fence, Mill Creek has since evolved into the center of revitalization for downtown Bakersfield. The dirt canal, and the city's aging Central Park, were both located in an industrialized area of downtown that saw little growth or redevelopment for several decades.

The Community Development Department and the Recreation & Parks Department will formally acknowledge receipt of this national accomplishment at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Central Park in downtown Bakersfield.