July is Parks Make Life Better Month!

Each July, we celebrate Parks Make Life Better Month! Follow us on social media as we celebrate and feature the people, spaces and programs that have built a beautiful and strong community throughout the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.

Find us on Facebook @haywardrec and Instagram @hayward_rec.

Register for Fall 2025 classes beginning on Wednesday, July 30 at a new registration time: 12:00pm!

Based on community feedback, we’ve moved our registration time to later in the day. Registration will open for District residents at noon on Wednesday, July 30, and Wednesday, August 6, for non-residents. We hope this helps make registration more customer friendly. As always, thank you for being a part of our community!

Catch the Final Sessions of Summer Camp

Summer camps are still open for registration with camps available through early August. Whether your child loves art, nature, or outdoor adventures, we have the perfect camp at H.A.R.D.

Park Explorers offers a memorable summer camp experience for young explorers,

CREATE! Camp sparks creativity with arts-based curriculum,

And All Sorts of Sports Camp teaches teamwork, fitness and basic sports skills.

Don’t miss out on a summer of exploration and fun. Sign up today!

Did you know we offer scholarships?

Don’t let the cost of events and programs keep you from joining in! H.A.R.D. has a number of free classes, special events and scholarships available. Email scholarships@haywardrec.org for more information.

Upcoming Events in July

Summer Concerts in the Park with Hayward Municipal Band

Sundays, June 15-July 6, 2:30 pm

Tony Morelli Bandstand in Memorial Park

24176 Mission Blvd. Hayward

(Behind the Hayward Plunge)

Join the Hayward Municipal Band for a weekly concert in the park! Bring your family, friends, a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy lively performances featuring Classical, Jazz, Big Band, Musicals, Latin, and more.

Outdoor Movies Around the District

Friday, July 11, 8:00 pm

Inside Out 2 (PG)

San Lorenzo Community Park,

1970 Via Buena Vista, San Lorenzo

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

Check out our calendar for other movies in the park dates and locations

FIFA Club World Cup Final Watch Party

Sunday, July 13, 9:00 am

San Lorenzo Community Park,

1970 Via Buena Vista, San Lorenzo

Catch the excitement of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup Final—live on a giant outdoor screen! As we gear up for next year’s World Cup, join fellow fans to celebrate the world’s most beautiful game.

• Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and soccer spirit
• Enjoy coffee, conchas, mini clinics, and a finishing competition
• First 100 guests receive a FREE H.A.R.D. soccer scarf!

Bookmark the event (Facebook event)

Find us at the Hayward Downtown Street Parties

Thursday July 17 and August 21, 5:00 pm-9:00 pm

Downtown Hayward, Main St & B

H.A.R.D. is excited to sponsor the Downtown Hayward Street Parties in partnership with the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. Stop by our Pop-Up Park to play, relax and explore with our popular rock wall and a variety of free, family-friendly activities for all ages with games giveaways and more at Main between B & C Streets.

More info (Facebook event)

Senior Community Resource Fair

Friday July 18, 1:30 pm -4:30 pm

Hayward Area Senior Center, 22325 North 3rd Street, Hayward

The Senior Community Resource Fair is a great opportunity for community members to discover and connect with local organizations and agencies offering valuable services and resources they may not yet know about. 

Organizations are invited to participate as vendors for a registration fee of $50.

H.A.R.D. Par-Tee Nights

Thursday, July 31, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Mission Hills Driving Range, 275 Industrial Pkwy, Hayward

Join us on the last Thursday of each month for night golf, live music, tasty bites, and drinks under the lights at Mission Hills Golf Course Driving Range.

Bring your friends–or make new ones! Food and drinks available for purchase. 

👉 Want more details? Visit our website or follow us on social for event updates.

Celebrate Safely This 4th of July

Happy Independence Day from all of us at H.A.R.D.! As you enjoy the holiday, please remember that fireworks are not allowed in our parks–let's all do our part to keep our community safe and fire-free.

For added safety, sports and tennis courts will close early or remain closed on July 4 to help protect District property.

Sneak Peek of August Events

DMT Chorus-Around the World

Friday, August 1, 8:00 pm

Sunday August 3, 2:00 pm

Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N 3rd Street, Hayward

Under the direction of Cesar Cancino, join the Morrisson Theatre Chorus on a musical journey around the globe featuring music from the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and more…

Get tickets

Teen Splash Day-Free Event!

Saturday, August 2, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm

Hayward Plunge, 24176 Mission Blvd., Hayward

Make a splash before summer ends! Cool off at the Hayward Plunge, tackle the Inflatable Obstacle Course, enjoy food, ice cream, and fun. Grab a friend and pack a towel. Registration is required. In order to use the obstacle course, you must pass the onsite swim test. 

Register today!

Become a Park Ambassador

Saturday, July 19, 10:00 am-11:30 am

Weekes Community Center, 27182 Patrick Ave., Hayward

Parks make life better–and you can help make them even better! Join the volunteer Park Ambassador Program and use an easy online tool to assess local parks, all from your phone.

A volunteer training will be held Saturday, July 19, at Weekes Park. After training, you'll have two weeks to complete your assigned parks–about 3 hours total. Your feedback will help improve parks across the District and support H.A.R.D.'s mission of equitable access to high-quality community spaces.

Sign up here today!

Join the Volunteers in Parks (V.I.P.) Program!

Saturday, July 12, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Greenwood Park, 24016 Eden Avenue Hayward

Saturday, July 26, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Stonebrae School, 28761 Hayward Blvd, Hayward

Sign up to be a V.I.P. for a rewarding day of teamwork and positive impact. H.A.R.D. provides the tools, guidance, and snacks–you bring the energy!  

Tasks vary and may include litter pick-up, pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and more. Just wear sturdy shoes, bring a sun hat or sunscreen, gloves, bottled water, and ensure youth are accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Nature Corner

For Kids (Ages 1-5)

Toddler Time Field Trips: San Lorenzo Community Park

Thursday, July 8, 10:00 am-10:45 am & 11:15 am-12:00 pm

San Lorenzo Community Park, 1970 Via Buena Vista, San Lorenzo

Meet us at San Lorenzo Community Park to see ducks, dragonflies, turtles and more as we explore the pond boardwalk. Color a flying bird too.

Sign up for adventure

Our two nature centers offer hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper connection with nature. Explore what’s happening at each location below.

Sulphur Creek Nature Center

1801 D Street, Hayward

For Teens (Ages 13-17)

Adaptive Nature Walk & Sensory Exploration

Sunday, July 13, 10:30 am-11:30 am

Explore, discover, and connect with nature! This inclusive exploration program is designed to experience the textures, sounds, sights, and smells of the natural world in a supportive and engaging environment. Led by experienced naturalist facilitators. A great opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature without distraction.

Sign up today!

For Kids (Ages 4-12)

Animal Adventures: Nocturnal Animals

Sunday, July 20, 10:00 am, 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm

Discover what helps animals get around in the night, craft a bat, and search for signs of nocturnal animals on the trails.

Sign up today!

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center

4901 Breakwater Avenue, Hayward

Para niños

Salty Story Time en Español

Saturday, July 19, 10:00 am, 10:45 am

Visita el Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center para disfrutar de 45 minutos de cuentos y manualidades.

Incribirse hoy

GO H.A.R.D.–Get Outdoors!

This summer try new adventures like kayaking, mountain biking, and camping under the stars. Learn outdoor skills, while making new friends.

We provide gear, transportation, and expert guides to support you every step of the way. Step outside, build confidence, and have fun!

For Youth (Ages 9-13)

Free transportation to the trails from Ashland Community Center, 1530 167th Ave, San Leandro

Get Outdoors: Trail Trekkers

Wednesdays, July 9-July 30, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Lace up and hit the trail! Explore rugged paths and uncover nature’s secrets while building confidence and outdoor skills on this epic day of hiking led by our experienced guides. Locations vary. Transportation included.

Sign up to Trek

For Teens (Ages 13-17)

Free transportation to the trails from Ashland Community Center, 1530 167th Ave, San Leandro

Indoor Rock Climbing: Climb Lab

Wednesdays, July 9-July 30, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Start low, climb high, and push past limits. Hosted by Touchstone Climbing Oakland, go from bouldering to top rope with expert instructors leading the way. Build strength, skill, and confidence while taking on new challenges with your crew—no experience needed, transportation included.

Sign up to climb

For Active Adults (50+)

Free transportation to the trails from Kenneth Aitken Senior and Community Center, 17800 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley

Hiking: Scenic Treks, Las Trampas

Thursday, July 31, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Step outside and explore the natural beauty on this guided hike designed for active adults 50+. Wander through rolling hills, marshland boardwalks, and winding trails. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to spot local wildlife, learn about the area’s Indigenous history, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Sign up to hike

Mobile Recreation

Free for all ages and abilities!

Saturday, July 5, 11:00 am-3:00 pm

Tennyson Park, 28377 Huntwood Ave., Hayward

Saturday, July 17 during the Downtown Street Parties, 5:00 pm-9:00 pm

B St and Main, Hayward

Saturday, July 19, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Mt Eden Park, 2451 W Tennyson Road, Hayward

Test your bravery on the 28-foot rock wall or enjoy our lawn games by challenging a friend to a game of giant Connect 4 or Cornhole.

Find us each month at parks, playgrounds, and special events throughout the District.

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

Help Shape the Future of Weekes Community Park

We are planning exciting upgrades to Weekes Community Park–with a focus on improving accessibility and expanding recreational opportunities for everyone.

While the picnic areas and sports courts were renovated in 2021 and 2023, we know there’s more to do. Upcoming improvements may include paving renovations and other enhancements based on community feedback.

Following our first on-site Community Meeting on Saturday, May 31, we’ve launched Community Survey #2 to dive deeper into your priorities for the park.

Your input is essential to help guide the next phase of design.

• Click here to take Community Survey #2
• Survey closes July 30, 2025
• Questions? Email weekespark@haywardrec.org

Thank you for helping shape your park!

Super Summer Pre-K Learn and Play

Join us for a fun-filled summer of learning and exploration! Our Super Summer Pre-K Programs are designed for children ages 3.5-5.5 years and offer a blend of educational activities and playful experiences that promote creativity, imagination, and social skills development. Little ones will have the opportunity to grow, form new friendships and create lasting memories in our nurturing and supportive classroom. Prerequisite: Children must reach the minimum age by the first day of class and toilet training is required. A copy of immunization records must be provided prior to participation. 

Available Sites: Castro Valley, Cherryland and Kenneth Aitken.

Mercy Brown Bag Program

Every first Tuesday of the Month | Hayward Area Senior Center

9:00 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 once a month, free of charge. Program registration is required.

You can pre-register on Wednesdays by coming in to the Senior Center (22325 North 3rd Street, Hayward, CA 94541) anytime between 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm and complete an in-person registration form. Please bring a valid government ID to register. Each recipient is eligible for 2 bags per calendar month and is limited to 2 bags per household.

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 HARDSeniors@HaywardRec.org

Dog Parks

We've got recreation opportunities for everyone–including your dogs! The following District locations offer off-leash parks for your pups to run free:

Just a reminder if you choose to take a walk with your pets 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.

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

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). These RFP's outline potential projects and initiatives where your business could play a key role in helping us meet the needs of our community.