Founder of Alongside thanks Bakersfield for park fence, says it gives families peace of mind

Fran Medrano, founder of the nonprofit Alongside and a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, thanked the city of Bakersfield during the public comment period for adding a fence at a local park, saying the change has made the space safer for families.

"The fence represents that. It represents peace of mind for and a safer space for our kids," Medrano said, adding that the improvement matters to families who need reliable, secure places for children on the autism spectrum.

Medrano said the improvement came because "a community and because the City listened," and she offered thanks on behalf of Alongside Autism and the families it serves. She emphasized that the park is not just a place for playing but a place where safety and predictability matter to children and caregivers.

Her remarks framed the fence as a community-driven safety measure that responds to specific needs of families with children on the autism spectrum. The public comment concluded without a formal motion or vote; Medrano's remarks were recorded as part of the meeting's public comment period.