The vast majority of our parks feature picnic sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To better accommodate group picnic use we also will reserve sites at nine of our most popular parks: Carlos Bee Park, Castro Valley Community Park, East Avenue Park, Kennedy Park, Meek Park, Mt. Eden Park, San Felipe Community Park, San Lorenzo Community Park and Weekes Community Park. Fees are $17 per table for residents, $34 for non-residents. There is a four-table minimum at most locations. No inflatable bouncers are allowed. To reserve a picnic site call the District Office at (510) 881-6700 between the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday though Friday. A listing of all our picnic site locations can be found in the Facility Directory section of our brochure.

Occasionally, the District may find it necessary to reschedule or relocate a reservation due to unforeseen circumstances. In that event, the District will give as much notice as possible. In the event of a cancellation, the entire rental fee (including deposit) will be refunded.

Rowell Ranch Picnic Area
For those REALLY BIG events the Rowell Ranch Picnic Area may be reserved when the Rodeo Grounds are not in use. The Picnic Area can accommodate up to 500 people and is located at 9711 Dublin Canyon Road in Hayward. The picnic permit allows for reservation of the picnic area only. Park hours are from 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The picnic area must be cleaned and vacated before the park is scheduled to be closed unless otherwise previously approved. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted only upon special request approved by the District and is limited to beer and wine only. No hard alcohol allowed. Alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the picnic area. Inflatable bounce structures are allowed upon special request approved by the District.

Rowell Ranch Picnic Area Fees
District Resident (5 hours min.) $400
Non-Resident (5 hours min) $800
Each additional hour $100
Security/Cleaning Deposit (Cash or credit card only-paid separately) $350
Non-refundable Deposit (Submitted with application and applied to rental fees). $ 50

How to Reserve the Picnic Area
Applications may be submitted not less than ten (10) business days or more than eleven (11) months in advance. Facilities are not available on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. To check availability please call the Parks Office at (510) 881-6715 between the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday though Friday. If your date is available the picnic site will be held for you for three (3) business days. Within that period you will need to come to the District Office, pay a non-refundable $50 deposit and complete all the necessary paperwork. Any balance due must be paid in full ten (10) business days prior to your event. The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the reservation fee. District residents should be prepared to show proof of residency in order to secure the discounted resident rate. Permits are approved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations without deposit will not be held for more than three days. Final payment and application are due within ten working days (10) prior to date being requested. Permits will be issued to adults only, eighteen (18) years of age or older.

Occasionally, the District may find it necessary to reschedule or relocate a reservation due to unforeseen circumstances. In that event, the District will give as much notice as possible. In the event of a cancellation, the entire rental fee (including deposit) will be refunded.