The Wonderful Company (TWC), one of the largest employers and philanthropic partners in California’s Central Valley, today announced it is making the largest gift in Shafter’s history – $5.5 million to the Shafter Recreation and Park District in Kern County.

Announced at a groundbreaking ceremony in Shafter this morning, the gift will create The Wonderful Company Community Sports Complex, which will include construction of four baseball and two softball fields, three soccer fields, two playgrounds, three universal courts, four basketball courts, three handball courts and walking and jogging paths. The space will also include three major parking lots and four buildings for office space, storage for park equipment, restrooms, and a concession stand for the baseball/softball fields.

Funding for this development is made possible by The Wonderful Company co-founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, through their foundation, in partnership with local and state funding agencies. Like many rural communities across the country, Shafter does not have access to state-of-the-art recreational facilities that are more common in larger cities like Bakersfield, home to the Kaiser Permanente Sports Village, Aera Park and Hart Memorial Park. The Wonderful Company Community Sports Complex will rival these facilities and represent a crown jewel in Kern County. 

Today’s groundbreaking marks the first phase of construction on the 42-acre sports complex that will serve thousands of residents across Kern County including Shafter, Wasco, McFarland, and other neighboring communities.   

“Today marks a historic moment as we come together through this private-public partnership to improve access to quality park spaces and recreational facilities in Kern County,” said Andy Anzaldo, chief operating officer of corporate social responsibility at The Wonderful Company. “The Central Valley is home to thousands of our employees and their families, and Shafter sits at the center of where we operate. We care deeply about the communities where our employees live and work, and our history has been to invest in those Central Valley communities and work to improve the health and overall quality of life in every way we can. This latest investment is a reflection of that dedication.” 

The first phase of construction is expected to be completed in August 2025. 

“On behalf of the people of Shafter, we are incredibly grateful for this historic gift from Lynda and Stewart and The Wonderful Company. Our partnership with Wonderful will elevate the District's mission to offer a well-rounded variety of sports, fitness, cultural and educational programs that are fun whilst improving personal and community life,” shared Nelson Salinas, Chair of the Shafter Recreation and Park District Board of Directors. “The Resnicks' continued generosity and commitment to the Central Valley will have a lasting impact. We are proud to realize this vision for a safe, modern space for our youth and families to grow, play, and thrive.”

The complex is part of a $30 million masterplan to build a state-of-the-art facility to address the growing demand for outdoor and recreational sports. In 2024, the Shafter Recreation and Park District served 2,000 children, with a 40% increase over the last five years, including youth from Wasco, Bakersfield, McFarland, and Delano.  

“I’m very excited for the people of Shafter,” said David Couch, 4th District Kern County supervisor. “Parks contribute to our quality of life, and I know the people of Shafter will enjoy The Wonderful Company Community Sports Complex for many years to come.”

This investment aligns with Wonderful’s commitment to leaving people and the planet better than how they found it – starting in their own backyard. Shafter is home to the Wonderful Industrial Park and Wonderful Career Center, bringing high-skilled, high-paying careers of the future to the region and supporting residents with free job training and placement.    

About The Wonderful Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility 

The Wonderful Company and its co-owners, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, have a long-standing commitment to investing in the communities where their employees live and work, especially in California’s Central Valley, which is home to 3,000 employees. The Resnicks, along with their foundations and The Wonderful Company, have invested more than $2.5 billion in education, health and wellness, community development, and sustainability initiatives across the Central Valley, Fiji, and the world. To learn more about The Wonderful Company and its core values, visit csr.wonderful.com. 

About Shafter Recreation & Park District  

Established in 1978, the Shafter Recreation and Park District (SRPD) commits to offer a well-rounded variety of sports, fitness, cultural and educational programs that are first and foremost fun while improving personal and community life as measured by active participation, strong partnerships, and community trust.