Hayward Area Recreation and Park District facts for kids
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (often called H.A.R.D.) is a special group that manages most of the parks in the city of Hayward, California. It was started in 1944 and is the biggest recreation district in California!
H.A.R.D. doesn't just look after parks in Hayward. It also takes care of parks in nearby communities like Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Fairview, Ashland, and Cherryland. They even manage the grounds for many schools in the area. H.A.R.D. also plans fun events and classes, which you can find listed in their brochure that comes out every three months.
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Parks Managed by H.A.R.D.
H.A.R.D. manages many parks, each with different features like picnic spots, open fields, sports courts, and restrooms. Here are some of the special parks they look after in different communities:
Parks in Hayward
H.A.R.D. manages 73 parks in Hayward! Here are a few with cool features:
- Alden E. Oliver Sports Park: A great place for sports.
- Matt Jimenez Community Center: Has a youth center and a gym.
- Douglas Morrisson Theatre: A place where you can watch plays and shows.
- Hayward High School: Features a swim center.
- Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center: Learn about the bay and its wildlife.
- Japanese Gardens: A beautiful, peaceful garden.
- Kennedy Park: This park is super fun! It has a petting zoo, a children's train, and a merry-go-round.
- Memorial Park: You can go hiking here and find the Hayward Plunge, an indoor swimming pool.
- Mt. Eden Park: Offers a softball field and the historic Mt. Eden Mansion.
- PhotoCentral: A unique spot with darkrooms and a gallery for photography.
- Sorensdale Park: Has a center for citizens with disabilities, making it welcoming for everyone.
- Stratford Village Park: A great spot if you like to skate.
- Tennyson Park: Another park with a skate area.
- Weekes Park: Features a community center and an art studio.
Parks in Ashland
Three parks are managed in Ashland:
- Ashland Park and Community Center: A central spot for community activities.
- Jack Holland Sr. Park: Perfect for skateboarders with its skate park.
- Edendale Park: A special park for dogs to play!
Parks in Castro Valley
Twenty parks are managed in Castro Valley:
- Castro Valley High School: Has a swim center.
- Castro Valley Park and Community Center: A community hub that also includes Chanticleer's Little Theatre.
- Rowell Ranch: This park is famous for its rodeo events and has a long history with Western film stars!
Parks in Cherryland
Four parks are managed in Cherryland:
- Cherryland Park: A nice playground and picnic area.
- Old Creek Dog Park of Cherryland: Another great park for dogs.
- Meek Estate Park: Features a historic building and a cherry orchard.
- Cherryland Community Center: A place for local gatherings.
Parks in Fairview
Four parks are managed in Fairview:
- San Felipe Park: Has a community building.
- Sulphur Creek Nature Center: A wonderful place to learn about nature and see animal rehabilitation facilities.
Parks in San Lorenzo
Ten parks are managed in San Lorenzo:
- McConaghy Park: This park has a historical building called the McConaghy House, which is now a museum managed by the Hayward Area Historical Society.
- Mervin Morris Park: Another park with a skate area.
- San Lorenzo Park and Recreation Center: Offers hiking trails, a community center, and a lagoon.
H.A.R.D. works with other groups too. They've teamed up with the Hayward Area Historical Society to help restore the Meek Mansion and manage its open spaces. They also work with the East Bay Regional Park District and the city of Hayward through the Hayward Area Shoreline Planning Agency. This group was created in 1970 to protect the beautiful shoreline areas.
Hayward Parks Not Managed by H.A.R.D.
Not all parks in Hayward are managed by H.A.R.D. For example, Julio Bras Portuguese Centennial Park and Newman Park in downtown Hayward are managed by other groups.
