Landscape architect Howard Gilkey, from Oakland, California, was hired to create the general plan for the park.

Famous for designing water features, Gilkey made extensive use of the adjacent Kern River.

These groves were originally marked with plaques recognizing these organizations, however, years of vandalism have destroyed many of them.

That year, Hart and others considered establishing a museum in the park, which would showcase historical items that were collected by the local Lions Club.

The Kern County Museum was finally established in 1941 to hold the collection; however, it would be located on U.S. Route 99 (Chester Avenue) in Bakersfield.

A formal ceremony was held that included speeches, races, dances, music, games, and other activities.

The park contained three lakes: one for birds and other water fowl, one for rowing and paddle wheel boats, and one for swimming.

[3] When traveling through the Kern River Canyon, Hart discovered an unusually shaped rock.

It was formally dedicated on Labor Day, September 6, 1937, with a public gala to honor Hart and his efforts in the creation of the park.

This would quadruple the size from 370 to 1,012 acres (150 to 410 ha) (although the new land was not then considered part of Hart Park).

Called the Kern River County Park, the land would contain a motorboat lake, golf course, and campgrounds.

To meet the growing demand, Alfred Harrell Highway, the road used to access the park, was upgraded to a four-lane freeway.

It was also extended as a two-lane conventional highway east to SR 178 (Kern Canyon Road) with land reserved for future interchanges.

Some believe the shift in development to the southwest led to the decline, others believe that growing entertainment options in the city resulted in less time spent in the park.

The California Living Museum was established east of Hart Park and would contain a zoo.

The McMurtrey Aquatic Center would replace the concrete pool, which is located in Mill Creek, Downtown Bakersfield.

It contains: a band stand, two deep pit barbecues, two grills with 7 propane burners, food preparation tables, two booths (one for tickets and the other for drinks).

The project was originally proposed by the Societa di Mutuo Soccorso of Kern County Italians.

It would contain a shell, seating built into the hill side in a gentle arc, and a rustic pool/fountain separating the two.