Greetings!

There's so much to do, so close to home! Read below to see what's happening in June 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

Currently until June 9, 2024 | Saturdays & Sundays

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Starting June 10, 2024 | Wednesdays-Saturdays & Sundays &Holidays

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

June 20 | Downtown Hayward - City Streets Event

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

June 22 | Downtown Hayward - Juneteenth Event

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

June 29 | Mt. Eden Park - All-American Festival

11:00 pm - 3:00 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. 

Teddy Bear Picnic

June 8 | Meek Estate Park

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Let's have a blast with your favorite teddy bear at a picnic in the park! Pack your basket full of goodies, and enjoy ice cream, lemonade, and tasty snacks under the sun. With your fluffy friend by your side, every moment is filled with laughter and joy.

Game Night

June 14 | Cherryland Community Center

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Get ready to level up the fun with family and friends! Dive into epic battles of ping pong, conquer towering challenges with giant Jenga, and strategize your way to victory in board games galore. Plus, unleash your inner gamer in the video game area! It's a non-stop thrill ride of competition and fun that you won't want to miss!

Ashland Zocalo

Ashland Zocalo will open to the public next month (July). 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.

Hayward Municipal Band Presents:

Summer Concerts in the Park

Every Sunday, June 16 - July 7 | Tony Morelli Bandstand in Memorial Park (behind Hayward Plunge)

2:30 pm -4:30 pm

Join the Hayward Municipal Band as the great American tradition continues this summer. Bring your family, friends and picnic lunch to Memorial Park to relax, listen and enjoy, classical, popular, big band, jazz, musicals, Latin and more!

This concert series is made possible by support from the City of Hayward and the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.

Movies in the Park: Elemental

June 21 | Mt. Eden 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!)

TMC Arts Presents: Oklahoma!

June 14 - June 23 | Douglas Morrisson Theatre

Join us for Oklahoma! Set in farm country outside the town of Claremore, Indian Territory, 1906, it tells the story of a farm girl, Laurey Williams, and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the sinister and frightening farmhand Jud Fry.

V.I.P. Volunteers in Parks

June 22 | Southgate Community Center

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.

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 tthis 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 Rato 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).