Greetings!

There's so much to do, so close to home! Read below to see what's happening in July at H.A.R.D.!

Party H.A.R.D. in the Park

Mark your calendar and join us in celebrating our 80th Anniversary at our Party in the Park series this summer.

Splash Pads

June 10, 2024-August 3, 2024 | Wednesdays-Saturdays & Sundays & Holidays

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

August 4, 2024-September 2, 2024 | Saturdays & Sundays

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cannery Splash Park, 125 “B” Street, Hayward

Castro Valley Community Park, 19888 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley

Pools Are Open for Summer

Recreational Swim

Starting June 10, 2024

Monday-Saturday | 1:30 pm-3:30 pm

Arroyo Swim Center, 15701 Lorenzo, San Lorenzo Cost: Free

Sunset Swim Center, 410 Laurel, Hayward Cost: Free

Castro Valley Swim Center, Redwood and Mabel, Castro Valley Cost: $3 per person

Hayward Plunge, 24176 Mission Blvd, Hayward Cost: $3 per person

Tot Swim

Starting June 10, 2024

Bring your tot (7 years and younger) to swim in the small pool at the Hayward Plunge.

Monday-Friday | 11:30 am-1:00 pm

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday | 5:00 pm-7:00 pm

Cost: $5 for adult and child

Hayward Plunge, 24176 Mission Blvd, Hayward

Mobile Recreation

July 13 | San Lorenzo Park

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

July 18 | Downtown Hayward - City Streets Event

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

July 27 | Adobe Park

11:00 pm - 3:00 pm

July 28 | South Hayward Public Market

12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Join us to play and climb at our next Mobile Recreation event. We’ll provide our 28-foot Rock Wall, Giant Connect 4, cornhole, and more for you and your family to enjoy.

Please note: A signed waiver must be on file for your child to participate. 

Mercy Brown Bag Program

Every first Tuesday of the Month, starting July 2 | Hayward Area Senior Center

9:30 am - 10:30 am

The Hayward Area Senior Center is excited to partner with the Mercy Brown Bag Program and provide local seniors with groceries twice a month, free of charge. Our distribution days are every first Tuesday of the month, starting on July 2, 2024, from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.

You can pre-register on Wednesdays by coming in to the Senior Center (22325 North 3rd Street, Hayward, CA 94541) anytime between 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm and complete an in-person registration form. Each recipient is eligible for 2 bags per calendar month and is limited to 2 bags per household.

Please bring a valid government ID to register. We recommend bringing a cart to carry your items as each bag weighs approximately 20lbs.  

Additional requirements:  

• Must be 60+ years old 
• Must live in Alameda County 
• Must qualify as low-income by federal guidelines  
• For questions, please contact calj@haywardrec.org

Ashland Zocalo

Ashland Zocalo will open to the public this month. This new park, located at E 14th Street and 166th Avenue in Ashland, features a vibrant shade structure, an exciting playground, an outdoor fitness area, picnic tables, an open lawn area, and a public restroom. This project was a partnership between H.A.R.D. and the Trust for Public Land and was funded by a $7 million Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant.

Movies in the Park: Trolls 3

July 19 | San Lorenzo Community Park

8:00 pm

Join us for FREE family fun near you! Movies begin after dark between 8:00 - 8:15 pm. Bring the entire family, picnic dinner, low-back small chairs and/or blankets, flashlights (keep them low!)

Cooling Center

Stay cool this summer! For information on H.A.R.D.'s Cooling Centers, visit the website. When cooling centers aren’t officially open, you can still cool off Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cherryland Community Center, Hayward Area Senior Center, Kenneth C. Aitken Senior and Community Center, and the District Office.

Bedtime Theater

Every Wednesday in July | Douglas Morrisson Theater

Back by popular demand, a weekly offering of children-centered performers and films to engage your child and provide some pre-bedtime entertainment. Attendees can wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animals. Milk and cookies will be served after the show. Shows are geared for children ages 2-7.

V.I.P. Volunteers in Parks

July 13 | Eden Shores & July 27 | Carlos Bee Park

9:00 am - 12:00 pm



Join us and be a V.I.P.! H.A.R.D. provides tools, leadership, and snacks. Work includes litter pick up, pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and more. We ask volunteers to wear sturdy shoes, wear a sun hat or sunscreen, bring bottled water, gloves, and that a parent or guardian accompany the youth.

Volunteers Needed for New Program –

Access for All Friends 

H.A.R.D. strives to provide inclusive and accessible programs for ALL. Some of our program participants need some extra support and we are looking for volunteers to be aids to some of our young friends with special needs to help support and guide them in classes and camps. Training will be available. If you are interested in participating in this new and important volunteer program, please reach out to Recreation Coordinator Jessica Hallowell, at HalJ@haywardrec.org or at 510-881-6778.

Transitioning to District Elections:

A Step Toward Equitable Representation 

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) has traditionally conducted at-large elections. However, recent legal challenges under the Federal Voting Rights Act and the California Voting Rights Act have necessitated many municipalities, counties, and special districts to transition to district-based elections to ensure compliance with the law. 

On May 20th, the H.A.R.D. Board of Directors made a decision and adopted a resolution expressing the district’s intention to transition to district-based elections. 

The process for developing districts within the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District will include: 

1. Community Meetings: At least five (5) community meetings will discuss the reasons behind the transition to district elections. 
2. Review of Proposed District Maps: At least two additional meetings will review the proposed district maps. 
3. Final Adoption: One final meeting will lead to the adoption of the new district-based map. 

H.A.R.D. is committed to hosting more than the required minimum number of meetings to ensure that every resident has an opportunity to participate in this important work. Transitioning to district elections is a significant step toward adhering to the District J.E.D.I. Policy to equitable representation and community engagement. 

Palma Ceia Park

Renovations at Palma Ceia Park are currently in progress and are expected to be completed this summer. Improvements include new play equipment, an outdoor fitness court, a shaded picnic area, and a new perimeter pathway that creates an exercise circuit within the park. This project is funded by Measure F1 Bond proceeds and $25,000 from the City of Hayward’s People Budget.

Winton Warehouse

The Winton Warehouse has been curating a diverse collection since the 1950s. This extensive inventory encompasses costumes, accessories, military uniforms, and unique vintage clothing items, along with period-appropriate props, set dressing, furniture, and sets—all available for rent for your next stage and film production. 

To schedule an appointment or for further inquiries, please reach out to Devin Gregory at gred@haywardrec.org.

Nature Corner

Pocket Pet Academy

Pocket Pet Academy at Sulphur Creek Nature Center will allow your animal loving child to learn about responsible pet ownership and meet an animal friend too!  

Nature Journaling for Families or Adults

 

Get in touch with nature with our Introduction to Nature Journaling classes for families or adults at both of our nature centers. 

Toddler Time Field Trips

Join Miss Christine at our Toddler Time Field Trips as we explore our local parks and trials around the District this Summer. 

Sulphur Creek Nature Center



Renovations at the Sulphur Creek Nature Center are now complete. The updates include a new outdoor classroom with a rustic shade structure, a relocated amphitheater with seating made from salvaged trees, a creek overlook, and new signage funded by an Outdoor Environmental Education Grant. Additionally, the native plant garden has been renovated and expanded, thanks to private donations to the HARD Foundation.

Dog Parks

We've got recreation opportunities for everyone — including your little furry friend! The following District facilities offer off-leash parks for your pups to run free:

Earl Warren Park

4660 Crow Canyon Road

Castro Valley

Edendale Dog Park

16278 Ashland Avenue

San Lorenzo

Fairmont Terrace

2091 Manchester

San Leandro

Hayward Dog Park

Contessa Street & Boca Raton Street

Hayward

San Lorenzo Community Dog Park

1970 Via Buena Vista

San Lorenzo

Old Creek Dog Park

Hampton Road at Standish Avenue

Hayward

Just a reminder if you choose to take your furry friend on a walk in our other parks, please make sure they are on a leash.

Access for All

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District welcomes and encourages the participation of children and adults with disabilities in all of its programs and services.

For more information go to https://www.haywardrec.org/2052/Access-for-All.

If you have special needs that may require specific accommodations, please complete the Access for All Application at least 10 days prior to your program.

Scholarships Available

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District wants to ensure everyone has access to health and wellness offerings. HARD partners with the HARD Foundation to offer financial aid for qualifying District residents. Did you know that qualifying families can receive up to 75% off of classes and programs? They can also access free classes through our Health Equity program. Apply today.

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you want to make a difference, make meaningful connections with others, and help strengthen the community? Then volunteer with H.A.R.D.! We have various volunteer opportunities like V.I.P. (Volunteers In the Parks), Sulphur Creek Nature Center, and Mia’s Dream Come True Playground Ambassadors. To join these and more fill out an interest form here: Interest Form. For more information or if there are any questions, please email volunteer@haywardrec.org.

Employment Opportunities

Although we have filled our summer positions, we have ongoing recruitment for field attendants, building attendants, and others. Please explore our current job openings at www.HaywardRec.org/employment.

Request for Proposals

We are committed to partnering with local businesses and encourage the community to review the District's Request for Proposals (RFP's).