 
Hayward Area Recreation & Parks Department 510-881-6700
The Hayward Area Recreation & Park District is an independent special use district providing park and recreation services for over 220,000 residents living within a 64 square-mile area which includes Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo and the unincorporated Ashland, Cherryland and Fairview districts. The Park District (H.A.R.D.) is the largest recreation district in the State of California. Since its creation in 1944, it has provided residents with many beautiful facilities and parks, as well as hundreds of educational and recreational classes and programs. The mission of the Park District is improving the quality of life for citizens of all ages by providing a variety of recreational activities, special events, facilities and services that encourage life-long learning, fitness and fun.
The District currently maintains over 100 facilities and parks, many of which have received national and state recognition for their design, innovation and beauty. There are several community centers, which can be rented for parties and receptions. The Hayward Senior Center and the Kenneth C. Aitken Senior and Community Center provide programs for older adults. The Douglas Morrisson Theatre is a 250-seat performing arts center that is host to outstanding live entertainment and home to the District’s Drama Program while the Adobe Art Center offers classes in various artistic mediums including pottery, painting, quilting, jewelry making, stained glass and calligraphy. The adjacent Adobe Gallery hosts several art shows each year including the Area Artists Annual Juried Exhibit.
For the golf enthusiast the District operates two courses, Skywest Golf Course, an 18-hole, par 72 championship course and Mission Hills of Hayward Golf Course, a 9-hole, par 30 executive course. Both facilities have full service bar & grill. There is a driving range at Skywest and there will soon be a night lit range at Mission Hills.
For family outings come visit Kennedy Park with its carousel, petting zoo, pony rides and train. Lovers of the outdoors should take a look at the programs offered through the District’s Naturalist Programs at both the Sulphur Creek Nature Center and Shoreline Interpretive Center. Like to swim? Want to take lessons? Check out our Aquatics Program, which manages five swim centers including the historic Hayward Plunge.
Sports and Fitness nuts can get their fix by participating in H.A.R.D.’s Adult Sports, Fitness and Martial Arts programs. Softball, basketball, volleyball and soccer leagues are organized on a regular basis while aerobics, water aerobics, yoga, tai chi chih, gung fu and karate are offered as well. For kids our Youth Sports program runs flag football and basketball leagues.
The completely overhauled Teen Program invites all “bored” teens to come to the Game Zone or to Weekes FYI and have some fun. Got a band? The annual Battle of the Bands is a chance for you to show off your musical talents. The Parks and Playground Program offers activities for youth ages 6-12. If dancing is your thing, check out our Dance Program, which offers lessons for all ages. Future Olympians can sign up for Gymnastics or if Wimbledon is your goal take a look at our Tennis Program.
Today the lagoon is supplied with water from EBMUD, and a large shallow area is roped off especially for children. The adjacent lake is closed to boating and swimming, but hikers along the shore will discover a surprising wilderness in miniature, where turtles and frogs splash in the water, ducks rest in the reeds and raccoons and deer come down to drink at sunset.
Swimming in the lagoon is the park's main attraction from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Swim hours are from 11 am to 6 pm, and only when lifeguards are on duty. There is a bathhouse, a vending machine, a sandy beach and large lawn areas. Dogs are not allowed in the swim complex.
Anglers along the lake may catch trout, bass, catfish and bluegill. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish. A California state fishing license is required for anglers age 16 or older. In addition, a Park District daily fishing permit is required and may be purchased through a self-registration process located at the swim complex entrance ($4 in exact change required; fee subject to change). State fish and game regulations apply.
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