Photos by Wendy Gray

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 Centers 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. 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.

Want to develop a new talent? Our Personal Enrichment Program offers a diversity of fun and educational classes. Kids and Adults can learn the art of taking photos by joining our Photography Program, which operates out of PhotoCentral.

For the little ones ages 2-5 the District offers several Tot Programs in various locations.

If that’s not enough there’s the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park, the Japanese Gardens, three historic mansions plus a myriad of recreation center buildings, gymnasiums, athletic fields, picnic and barbecue sites, children’s play areas, neighborhood parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, handball courts and volleyball courts. A complete Facility Directory and all the latest program information can be found in our quarterly brochure(pdf).

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District offers something for everyone. Please take advantage of our programs and facilities and most of all HAVE FUN.